Back in the early 90's when I was 35 years old I hated my job but I had family commitments and mortgage to attend to.

I had always enjoyed reading psychology books and decided to attend night college and train as a counsellor.

For the first 2 years this was 1 evening of 3 hours each week, then 2 evenings each week for the final 2 years until I qualified as a therapeutic counsellor. I worked full time in my regular job during this period.

Once I had qualifed I realised I had absolutely no experience working in the care sector so I worked as a full time volunteer in the substance misuse field for a whole year gaining the experience and knowledge to allow me to get a paid job in the field. During this period the company provided an extensive traning package. I was after all giving my free time.

I also enroled in a psychotherapy masters degree. Now qualified as a counsellor I had all the core knowledge in place. The masters degree was one weekend each month for 2 years, so very doable.

After a year I applied for my first job as a keyworker then over the next few years I slowly worked my way up the ladder to care-coordinator, methadone dispenser, trained as a auricular acupuncturist etc etc.

six years later, aged 41, a master degree in hand and my new life ahead of me.

My friend did a similar thing and he became an architect.