Go for it, get stuck in!
As others have said, I would head straight up north, money spent on your instructor rating could be better spent on looking after your family. In my experience, I started working in aviation at about 36, you will probably find that people are willing to give you a go as you bring other skills to the operation and hopefully any young bravado has long since vanished!
Good luck and keep us informed.
Cheers, HH.
