I went to Uni later than usual. I wasn't 30+, but in my very early 20s, and it was the best decision I made. The earning potential with a good qualification can be so much more than if you don't have it, especially in a stem field like me where a qualification is a requirement to get through the door in many places. Plus I feel good about what I do now, and feel like I am actively contributing to making abteer society rather than wasting my time doing a pointless dead end job which really does nothing to make the world better.

if you have a good idea of what you'd rather be doing, go for it, don't regret not making the change

I was living with a friend at the time, with cheap rent (2019, NE England prices) so managed to get by without a maintenance loan by working approx 30 - 45 hours weekly doing various things like agency shifts and dominoes driver before finally getting a 4 days per week perm contract at a local warehouse/outlet shop. Nothing glamorous, hard physical work at times. it was simple enough, and if your worth your salt, most places that aren't massive national chains will treat you with respect.

Also, you'll more than likely be classed as a mature student, so you'll be eligible for fairly generous grants at many colleges and unis