David
My short story: started at age 34 with PPL and finished with 36 CPL,Multi,IR, fATPL. Left my well paved engineering careerbehind and was hired in 2001 as an F/O on the E145 shortly before 9/11. Was lucky enough to stay employed during the fallout years of 9/11. After a short time on the AVRO RJ100, I am now flying as SF/O on the Airbus with easyJet. It was definitely the best decision to go for that flying job. Age can be an issue but I am sure if you have the right stuff and attitude, you will find that satisfying flying job sooner or later.
Good luck
FI