I would say if you haven't already, go do a discovery flight at a local fbo first. Talk to the instructor about local training opportunities, etc., but mainly, just determine this is something you really want to do, and can do. I had a student who was probably more in to aviation than I was, but he had a really hard time getting over a strong fear of turbulence, and that really held him back. Flying a small plane is nothing like going for ride in a 737.

Then make sure you can qualify for a first class medical. It would be a shame to dedicate yourself to a career your not medical capable of doing.

If you decide it is something that you want to do after all that, I would recommend trying to get your ratings as fast as possible even if that means incurring some debt. Not crazy stupid debt!! But with the ATP/1500 rule you are going to have an additional hurdle that a lot of us didn't have.

Try to cut as many corners as you can, (financially), and work as much as you can to limit debt. I went from zero time to my first regional job in exactly 3 years with about 35 k in loans. My training was completely self financed, but at one time I worked 3 jobs and literally got up in the morning, got in the shower turned off the lights and slept for another 5-10 min. because I was so exhausted.

It took me about ten years to pay off the debt, but the payments were manageable even on regional fo pay, and I'm convinced I did it the right way. I know guys that took a lot longer and spent a lot more, and I'm sure there are guys on here who did it quicker and cheaper. It's a spectrum, it's just better to be on the low end especially if your starting a little later.

Conceivably you could be back to your current pay in 4-5 years and shortly thereafter doing much much better. But the most important thing, you may very well love your job!!