It's interesting, because this thread started with a question about 'at this time of life'. There's nothing quite like the menopause to make you take stock (well, at least it had that effect for me) - learning to ride and getting a bike, walking away from a relatively well-paid job to do something completely new, even growing my hair long for the first time ever ... Because I'm just like 'if not now, then when?' Chuck kids moving on and elderly parents into the mix, heady brew, eh. And planning is a tough one, as it doesn't feel as if there's enough time. Plus the hormones. Ye Gods.
Yes, you can change things. No, you don't need anyone's permission. Maybe it'll be hard and the road might be bumpy, but hell, as Dylan Hunt says (Captain of the Andromeda) 'It's never easy'. But I'm with March, talking to a trusted friend would be perfect right about now.