I'm earning around half of what I earned as an I.T. consultant, so be prepared for a (possible) pay cut, along with everything that that entails, and being away from home a lot. There are sacrifices that you (and wife/kids) will have to make. I've been very lucky there as well.
On the plus side, I'm much happier in this career than my last one.
Thanks Di Vosh, great post.
I only got started with my trainining this year (aged 30) and with the same background. The benefit as I see it is the ability to complete my training part time and be debt free once qualified.
There's much to be said for making money, but if it makes you miserable ...