PPL through a Flying Scholarship, unable to join RAF as eye sight fell below requirements. IMC, night and FI, and then instructed part time whilst working in ops and crewing for a small cargo airline. IR financed on interest free loan from said airline, type rating on ancient twin turboprop (it had sisters in museums before I flew it) and then redundancy prior to flying. Joined the only other UK operator of the type intending to move on after a year, stayed for nearly 26 collecting another 3 type ratings and TRI/TRE on the way and now flying the 737.
I would probably do it all again, however I think that the industry has changed forever and would not encourage anyone to start down this career path now.