I was 38 when I left a boring but well paid job to do my fATPL at Oxford. Then had 3 frustrating years of not getting the elusive job, but I never gave up hope. Now flying glass cockpit turboprop. I don't regret it for a minute as I now enjoy going to work! Earning less than I was, but who cares! You only have one life!
Fortunately, I have no family, but I think this would have been tough on a relationship!
All the best!