Silicon chip,
1/ If you are getting a steady good income, hold onto it if you dependants, I was 36 when I got my RHS job, but that was when things were considerably better and I did not have a wife and kid to feed then.
Age is not always a stumbling block, however I did notice that many of the younger trainees that I trained with were getting a lot more interviews than me, I only got one and passed the sim ride, tests etc.
What about your kids age as even if you do land a job you are going to be moved around a lot in this industry, I am looking at my third move in as many years.
2/Sorry to shed doom and gloom, but I personally dont think things will pick up for a while, the last recession lasted around 5 yrs before it recoverd and the last boom lasted about 4 yrs.
Low cost is doing well so it seems, but other parts of the industry are not so well off, so its an employers market, not what you want to hear I know, but it is very easy for some single bloke to say go for it, your family are at the end of the day the most important thing in your life.
Great if you can get a seamless transistion into the RHS.
If you are really determined to go for it at all costs, beware it could lead you to a family situation you never dreamed of, they will need to be very understanding.
If you are going to do it, then plan VERY carefully and buget at least 25% over the published course prices.
Also be prepared that not all jobs are high paying, I started out on 18k and am still on less that 30k flying a jet.
Please before you wannabes jump on my back, about money, I know its not everything, but you do need a return on your investment once you are mortaged/in debit upto your eyeballs.
If you have a spare 50-100k to do as you please, then go for it.
If you dont then think long and hard.
You see the problem with this industry there is too many of us out there who are motivated enough to go and train ourselves up at our own cost and its a matter of supply and demand.
I am not saying you should not follow your dream, but if you do you have to be pretty selfish regarding your family, but equally if it all works out then can be pretty rewarding but its not like your normal 9-5.
Last bit of advice talk to many people as possible and weigh up all the views, especially those who have been in the industry for a long time (I aint one).....it may not be what you dream it to be?