David, I started teaching five years ago after several big mid-life changes. I was 49! I'd had "real jobs" that paid about three times what I make now, but this is better.

Nothing wrong with that. You already know the satisfaction of seeing the lights go on when one of the students "gets it."

And just think, where else can you actually get paid for reading? For studying the classics? For constantly learning and expanding your own mind, not to mention the minds of your students.

Yeah, we have to wear trousers a lot, but I do find reasons to wear the kilt to school, and the students love it in the end. Some of them start out laughing, so we all laugh together while I point out that only I am dressed like a true warrior, etc., etc., etc.

And them they start wanting to know all about kilts, Scotland, the games, etc. What a teaching moment. (Sorry for the educationeze!) And I am quite certain that mature men who have been aroudn the block can be great teachers.

And, last but not least, just think. You are following in the footsteps of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Newton, and Ms. Bridger (my high school geometry teacher).

That's some pretty high cotton you're chopping in.

Congrats on finding your calling.