A&ps that have made the transition to flying professionally

Greetings to all. Sorry if this a long read for some, this is my first post & I’ll get better at condensing over time. I look forward to reading replies and learning

I turn 27 next month and currently I am a Line mx mechanic for a legacy carrier 🔺(7 months employed). Ive been an A&P for 7 years and prior to 🔺 I was a lead mechanic for a part 135/145 company. I’ve considered flying for years but lately I’ve been feeling like switching things up. (Living in a HCOL area and having LOW seniority and being delegated to nights may have influenced the desire for change lol)

My goal would be to either make my way back to 🔺 flying or maybe flying on the 135/ part 91 side.

As the title states I am curious to hear from A&Ps or individuals who came from the maintenance side(or people who similarly left decent jobs to pursue a career in flying ). I am currently exploring flight schools and options to make this path fulfilling , worthwhile and efficient.

I have about $40k liquid and 25k for emergency funds. No student loans, no kids, single. only debt I have is an auto loan. Currently earn about $102k-110k and I live with my parents as I was going to get a home this year but I’ve decided to wait until I make a decision with flying.

I considered going the “safe” route and exploring my companies path to atp as I would retain my benefits while on a leave of absence (up to 66 months) to attain my ratings then I’d work for a regional for 1000 TT hrs and max 44 months. this route would make me stop at my PPL and wait until I’m eligible for the program (summer 2025) & from there I can’t work full time for 🔺while I’m it.

Versus if I pursue ratings on my own while working I would start school immediately and I can continue to earn and pay out of pocket until at least I reach the cfi level