WBJ,

Have you considered the Air National Guard? Take a look here: Air National Guard - Careers

I personally came up through the civilian ranks: Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII, skydiver pilot, charter pilot, commuter pilot and finally UPS and I can tell you from my experience that quality-of-life is a MAJOR factor in the airline business. If you intend to take this route your quality-of-life is not going to be good. QOL is everything in this business.

My advise is:
1. Get your college degree. It doesn't matter what field your degree is in and there are many schools out there that offer on-line studies or have a "one-room schoolhouse" in your area. A college degree matters nowadays.
2. Take some flying lessons and get your private pilots license. How will you know that you want a flying career if you don't know what's involved or if you don't like flying? Continue moving up the ladder if you like it. Get your instrument rating, commercial pilots license and Multi-engine rating.
3. Make friends everywhere. This business is all about networking and some friend will likely help you move ahead.
4. Seriously look into the Air Guard. I believe that its structure and organization will help you get advanced training, responsibilities, promotions, experience and flying hours, etc. (ANG guys weigh in here.) Good opportunities exist for you to continue your current job AND fly good equipment. This means quality-of-life. Sure, you might have to make a 10 year commitment, but afterwards you can be flying for a major "people-mover" or top cargo airline. Not only that, but the military has excellent networking opportunities. Also, if you put in 20 years at the "guard" you get a monthly check from Uncle Sam, which is handy!

Hope this helps you make a decision.