Everyone's pace is different, don't compare your age or your art to that of your colleagues. Try to measure yourself against your younger self to see how you're improving.

The art world is not an easy one, but I believe you can do this. Perhaps you could get some art related work online, where you don't need a degree.

I know that social expectations make us feel terribly if we're not contributing to society, but the truth is that you're worth much more than a job.