i am sure you have heard it many times, it is never too late to get an education..... especially if you are unhappy with your current situation. even if you werent, from the sounds of it, it would do wonders for your self esteem, morale, self satisfaction, bucket list...i just cant seem to find the right word i am going for, but i think having that degree is just really important to you whether you use it or not. it is something you started that you want to finish. i have always wanted to go back to school after dropping out after one semester after high school then going back and only getting an associates. but i never was able to figure out what i wanted to do. so i just started taking a class a semester to get all the general ed out of the way in order to get to the university. after 7 years and another associates i finally decided on social work. in total it took me 10 years to get my bsw. the thing is, dont set yourself up for failure. jumping in with both feet may be too much if you see how that has been too overwhelming for you in the past and you lack the support for it right now. but taking a class or two to meet your goal for it right now may work and the wife warm up to it over time as you build the contacts you need to move into that field.