Too old to become a SEN teacher?

[Teachingcareerchange]

Long story short, I'm 47 and work freelance in a creative industry. To make a bit more cash I got a side hustle in a private secondary school a year ago in a SEN support role and I absolutely love it. My creative job is earning less & less year on year (thanks to AI) so I'm now wondering about trying to become a SEN teacher in a private school (there are loads local to me, and all seem to have well-staffed SEN departments). Has anyone made this change at a similar age? Am I too old? My family think I'm crazy but I really need a stable job with a regular income and a decent pension, none of which I have right now, and I get a lot satisfaction from my current school role so this seems like a logical move.

Can you afford the time out of working that it takes to earn the teaching qualification?

Have you looked at the job market to see how often SEN teacher jobs come up near you? If the SEN departments near you are well-staffed then does that mean there aren't often vacancies?

You’d get a decent pension as a teacher and seeing as you are 20 years from retirement age, plenty of time to earn one.

Your age isn’t a barrier at all. I have employed a number of teachers and support staff around your age (and older) over the years.

It’s such a wonderful rewarding job teaching in Special school. The team ethos is typically strong and usually good and positive links with parents and families.
There will be a big difference between SEN support in mainstream and a special setting. Lots of focus on communication and behaviour support. It is frequently physically demanding too and staff will be trained in positive handling.
If you are physically fit and active it shouldn’t be a problem for you.