sounds vaguely familiar
mind you, it's been a long time ago, I am now 21 months away from mandatory retirement!
Did my PPL in 71, didn't fly again till 73(marriage/child etc), saw a unique opportunity arise, bet every dollar on an aviation career, did my CPL, IFR, & multi, missed what I perceived to be "my slot" to a relative of the CEO in 74, went back to School, got my CFI, did sporadic flying until 79, finally got my chance (at age 31) been there ever since. have been active in the Pilot Association, Chief Pilot for 4 years, exec. management for a couple of years. TT around 21k hours, first jet BAC 1-11/500 followed by 727, now flying a 737 and just winding down. Already busy with a lot of stuff besides flying. probably do some GA flying for fun after I'm done with the airline stuff.
Now, my advice to you: right now we're standing at the threshold of what is arguably the biggest Pilot-hiring boom in recent times, but you have to get in at the beginning of it, because as we all know, what goes up must come down and it always is "last in first out"! therefore, if you're going to take the plunge, do it now and do it with conviction!
We all know the job of airline Pilot is not what it used to be, but then, neither is any other job, but if you're doing something you like, the hassles that will inevitably come with it, will be easier to tolerate!
Good luck!