Has anyone completly changed careers after 15yrs?

I retired from the Navy in 2001 and went to work for a drilling company as a Technologist (Electronics Technician) I hated it and was soon laid off.  From there I went to work for the State of Texas as an Employment specialist followed in few months with a Teaching position which I enjoy.  Funny thing is each job change brought less income then the previous one but at this point I am happy with what I am doing.

Good Luck. 

It helps to do something that you really like doing.  What you may find is that it's easier to replace the income when you are enthusiastic about your job and therefore successful. 

I think you're taking the right steps towards changing careers.  If you and your family (assuming it isn't just you) can agree on the debt-free plan, you can work towards that date and it will greatly increase your options.  It's probably worth sticking around in your current career for a year or two while you sort out what you really want to do when you grow up and work down your debt load.  In the grand scheme of things, one or two years won't (likely) make a huge difference with a couple of caveats.  1)  Don't let a bad attitude get in the way of doing the current job, 2)  Be ready to jump on an opportunity that comes along unexpectedly, even if you aren't perfectly "ready" to jump. 

My husband just graduated from the police academy (see pic at left) at the age of (almost) 41.  He was the oldest cadet there.

He's been a goldsmith for many, many years.  He worked part time as a reserve cop in our town, it's what he always wanted to do, but his family never supported it.  In one way or another, everyone in his family has been in the jewelry business.

And then much to their dismay, along came me.  I knew he wanted to do it - and supported him the whole way.  It's great to see him smiling every day......it's done wonders for our marriage.  It's a hard transition, but worth it.

And having a husband is such great shape is a definite plus!!  The guys at the academy were TOUGH on him, but they all came up to me at the graduation party and said how much they admired him.  (Most of them were in their 20's) 

Yes, I'm proud as hell of him.

I quit Chemical Engineering after 8 years to become a professional artist (I paint landscapes).  I make less money and it's a hell of a lot of work, but I have no regrets.  I just picked what I loved.  I had a daughter and knew if I still worked in engineering I would have to totally drop my painting habit (juggling work and being a mom), and that wasn't acceptable so I quit engineering. 

My husband quit his engineering sales position at the same time to start his own homebuilding company.  Again, he chose what he loved - he's always been mechanical and loved real estate and homes.  In this economy he's having to work really hard for business, but he loves it and like me has no regrets.

It's tough to get adjusted to the risk of less money or stability, but if you do the groundwork beforehand (get out of debt, save some money as a cushion), it's definitely possible.

Find something that, when you do it, you totally lose track of time doing it. Therein can be your passion.
I've also heard, something can be your passion when you talk about it, your voice cracks and you can become almost emotional. This wouldn't be described as something "fun" but something that has a deep meaning to you.

I certainly wish I could find either of those two things!

It's a classic, but "What Color is Your Parachute" is recommended as well.

Progressing towards debt-free sounds like a smart start.

fwiw, my mom left the theater & theater-teaching world to start law school at age 48.   Now she is teaching law school. 

I did 20 years in the USAF and now drive a City Bus.   Plan on doing this for another 14 years +.

Remember those days back in .....heck, this is going to be a new thread.....