From when I first spoke to my vicar, to going to college took 4 years - it can be a long process. The Church wants to be sure that this really is something you feel is your vocation and not just a whim. You need to be able to listen, and be sensitive to people, to be able to get on well with a whole range of people and to be very flexible as the work can be very varied and demanding. Sit in my living room with someone who had brought a huge spider in a jar to show me because they thought it was a sign from God because it had a cross on its back. There isn' t a career structure like in other jobs.
Most priests become a vicar after a few years and stay a vicar for the rest of their working life.
You get a rent free house, you only pay your heating and lighting bills and you can apply for a very low interest car loan. Follow your dreams. Don't allow anyone to put you down or discourage you. If you believe you can do something then go for it. Resources Nicola explains a typical day as a parish priest.