I would like to make a bold prediction
I propose that in 1-2 years time, paying for a type rating will be a thing of the past. With a reasonable amount of experience Airlines will be positively tripping over themselves to recruit suitable applicants.
Easyjet have well over 100 buses on order, albeit a lot of these pencilled in to replace the 737. Its fair to assume that these 73's wont be being turned into razor blades just yet. This is just one airlines story, there are others.
We should be worried about train drivers retraining to fATPL's
London-Glasgow by train - over 5 hours - £102 one way
London-Glasgow by ezy 1hr.15 and less than £40.00
low cost carrying is with us to stay people whether its Bandeirantes or 737's
There are Pilot job vacancies out there, the problem is that they aren't being filled. Existing crews are working harder.
£25000 will take years to pay off, cant you just give it another 18-24 months. Try instructing its not all that bad and a very good source of hours. The year you do instructing can probably put you in real terms 2 years nearer a command when things do pick up...Still borrow the 25k and buy a boxster with the change from an FI rating (Which is about the only rating you can use and earn with at the moment, Forget IR's)
We all want the dream job in the RHS of a heavyish a/c. Would you pay the extra £25k to avoid an 18 month delay???