Have you come across the expression 'JFDI'. . . .
Without resurrecting the old age debate. . and if it helps. . . I'm a fit and young at heart 44-year old, ex-banking/HR, passed my PPL last October and now half-way through my ATPLs with Bristol Ground School. Studying full-time at home, sat my first eight exams last week and now working towards the final six. Plan is to complete these by June/July, hour-build in Spain or USA over summer and start my CPL in the UK in the autumn.
I reckon the keys to success in this game are hard work, buckets of self-belief, good networks and some luck along the way. The barriers are self-doubt and complacency.
If it's what you want and you're prepared to work hard and make some sacrifices along the way. . . JFDI!!!
HW