how hard is it to work a part-time job and do a fully integrated ATPL. From all the schools I have visited they say there is not that much free time outside of the course, is this true?
Why should they be joking? You're not about to attend a comedian school, aren't you? Intending to become an airline pilot is serious business! Besides, underestimating the ATP studies is nothing uncommon, you aren't the first and for sure won't be the last! As already mentioned by "keeflyer" it's not possible to work a full time job while attending a full time ATP course, this isn't like evening school, this will be the challenge of your lifetime. If you need/want to make some money prior starting the course in October I'd say go and find yourself a seasonal job or any other kind of job for the summer, but once the studies start you'll very soon recognize that the ATP studies will be very time demanding and won't leave any time to spare! Not everyone who embarks on this journey will make it to the intended destination. Anyway, good luck.