Equally James, I can give you an example of someone I know personally who, following a few years as cabin-crew saved enough to obtain a PPL whilst working then secured an 85K loan and enrolled on an integrated CPL/IR with MCC/JOC (sometimes referred to as a 'frozen' ATPL) course. This student struggled and the costs increased. Eventually made it through training and couldn't find an airline job so worked in Tanzania or somewhere similar on the C208 for a few years, earned very little money, but demonstrating passion and ambition to prospective airline employers. Except, no one was interested and after five years, managed to get another loan and paid for an A320 type-rating and enrolled on a P2F scheme with an EU low cost operator.
An airline will respect you more for a). being current on a type they operate when they need pilots, b). able to pay for a type-rating and possibly line training if not rated and at an ATO of their choice, c). prepared to pay a bond to cover costs incurred in training if rated but not current, or d). prostitute yourself for low pay and poor T's & C's for a probationary period whilst they 'help' you achieve your dream.
If you're concerned about the return on your training investment, you should seek an alternative career path.