Retraining as a gardener

[wantingacareerchange]

Has anyone done this? I currently work in public affairs but for a long time I've had a yearning to work with my hands, be outdoors and garden.
I have an allotment and am studying for a RHS level 2 award.

But in practical terms for leaving my job to start a new career, does anyone have any advice on where the best place to start is?
Should I start a gardening apprenticeship with a local business (I can just imagine being surrounded by 18 year olds boys though), should I work in a nursery? Any ideas welcome!

Working as a gardener is lovely. However, you may want to consider the following:

Wages are very poor if you work for a firm (minimum wage), hours are long and have short breaks. You are on your feet all day and work in the sun during the summer and freezing cold in winter. You have to start early and finish late in summer. There is almost no career progression. It is also very male dominated ( not necessarily a problem but you will probably be outnumber 8:1.)
If you work for yourself people think gardening is easy and do not want to pay a reasonable rate per hour, although London and the Home Counties are better.
Its hard to make a decent living and your knees will be shot by the time you are 60.

I've realised that sounds very negative and I'm sorry that it is. You would be better advised to find a different full time career if you are fed up with public affairs and leave gardening as your enjoyment.