Well Im in the same boat as you all be it a bit further out to sea.
I went to uni HND Aero space then a Mechanical Eng Degree. Did this to start a back up career, get a better paid job to finally do what I always wanted to do....fly.
Started my engineering job after graduation paid of uni debts got a morgage settled down and finally at 28 I am well into my training with no debts so far.
On a weekend basis obtained my PPL Night IMC and all the hours required to start my CPL. I went to BGS to get the ATPL theory done by distance learning. I passed all exams first time while maintaining my job as project engineer, saved all my holiday to use for the 4 weeks of refresher and exams. (it can be done).
Work knows about my flying obsession but I have told them that I need all this to instruct for a hobby at weekends.
As you may see from my current thread Im looking for an FTO for the CPL to train at weekends as I have promised my other half that I will use the remainder of my holidays to be away with her.
Thats my story so far
good luck
Mint