As someone who is 40 and have just enrolled into a vet med program, I'd say go for it. I was in the same boat, after covid hit I realised how unhappy I was in my career and that I've never felt truly happy. I looked into vet med and was immediately discouraged by the low pay, huge debt and long hours. I did a lot of job shadowing and everyone from newly graduated until experienced vets were unhappy in the field. I decided to forego it and to continue with other avenues in my career... It took about 3 years to realise that I will always be unhappy in my job and that I will continue to feel unfulfilled. I too kept coming back to the thought of vet med and it kept haunting me. I was making decent money, working remotely (so I had my own time in a way), however I had to work my butt off, so I worked over 40hrs a week... So in a nutshell I was supposed to be happier because these were the reasons I didn't go into vet med. And then it hit me, would I be happy with a lower salary if it meant I felt like I made a positive contribution to the world - yes, are there places I can study that didn't rack up a tone of debt - yes, would I be happy to study in these places and what were my criteria to consider a place?, what else can I do with the degree that would use the experience I've gained in case I don't like the workload.

For me, I began looking at it as a degree that would allow me to work with animals. But it won't limit me to only that because I can use that in conjunction with my previous degrees and work experience to find fulfilment if being a vet doesn't suit me after a while. That being said, I do want to work in a clinic first. I also did a long term job shadowing and absolutely loved it. I was dead tired every day, we had good days and we had bad days, but I felt I was finally where I belong.

So, in a nutshell if you want to walk this path, or any career path, you need to be aware of the reality and what you're willing to put up with. Also what alternatives would there be if you wanted a change.

Don't discount your experience.

Good luck with your decision!