Im 35 and gave up a good job and a business 18 months ago to start on the ATPL route.Depending on the route you take will depend on the cost and the length of time to achieve your goal.
I went the integrated way and it took me 14 months from scratch to where I am now,it was very hard work and my family had to back me up as I was away from home all the time ,I live in Cornwall and studied in Oxford.
I am convinced that there are jobs out there, even though I havn't found one yet!
I changed career because your only here once and I didn't want to be sitting in my armchair when Im 75 wishing I had.
To sum up,if you realy want to do it,do it! Don't underestimate the commitment required and the cost involved, or indeed expect a job as soon as you qualify. There were people at my school in their 40's your not too old .