Great advice about getting a job in aviation, but saying dispatching is the only way to go is wrong. I currently work as cabin crew for a certain large regional airline, and have just been offered an FO position, starting next month. I personally know of at least 4 other people in the company who have been successful, and a handful more doing the same behind me. I also know that there is at least one EZY cabin crew on my TR as well.
As well as that, I have a close friend who worked on the ground for Cityjet who is now flying for them. Moral of the story...get out of that retail job, and find something, anything, connected with an airline. Do it now! Airlines are hiring massively now and over the next year, and they are more likely to pick your application if you know the person choosing them.