How about if after 36 hours, you're still flying circuits your instructor tells you are 'pathetic'. Is that code for 'Give up'?
Relevant info - also in my 40s, money is tight (hence fortnightly lessons) and I chose to learn in a tailwheel a/c. Finished first area solo with a very ordinary landing and tried a session of circuits to fix things up, but felt worse after the lesson than before.
Seriously, should I take a break for a few months, save up, then go back to weekly?
Or just remain feet firmly on the ground?