this is your life and i'd say phooey on what people may think!!!
but first let's look at the job market right now. it's tight due to the economy. can you right at this moment take a cut in pay and be ok if that's what it takes to get out of this career? if yes is your answer i'd say go for it. update your resume and get started. the most employable person is the one that already has a job. so that's in your favor.
are u skilled in other fields already? if yes is your answer, great! if not, you can start by going to night school and take coursework in what you think you'd be interested in doing. there's even online coursework so you can work at your pace and convenience.
use the internet, sites like monster.com enable you to look for jobs in your area, post your resume online, etc. i know of many people i've suggested this to that got better paying jobs by doing this.
those are some "get started" suggestions. feel free to pm me anytime if you want some more ideas. and for goodness sake keep us posted on your progress! good luck to you!!