AIBU to start a new career?

Go for it! Sounds like an excellent job to do as you can be flexible with your hours if you want and if you have the qualifications - why not? Do you have LRAM or similar?
Good luck - I'm all for following your dream what ever that may be!

gettingonabit "Go for it" what have you got to loose! go girl! go!!

You are only 52 which is YOUNG by Gransnet standards, so go for it. One small suggestion gleaned from a piano teaching acquaintance - Piano is no longer 'cool' and few children will stick at it but she has students queuing up to learn keyboard, having got so far with the manual that came with the keyboard when they bought it, but now anxious to develop their skills, learn to read music, etc.

I took a complete career change three years ago - partially forced upon me as I was working in the NHS and due to skin problems caused by food allergies I was 'forcibly removed' from my clinical role into admin.
I was literally thrown from hands-on nursing into computer/admin courses which I hated as I was totally terrified of technology - but I had no choice. Add to the picture NHS management (short skirts and clipboards!) and the result was meltdown!
I was 56/57 years old - I had to consider pension/ hours of work/do I stay and stick it out in misery or what?
Around that time a friend of mine was wanting to leave her secretarial post at our Church (she had already 'retired' once several years earlier, and a replacement was needed). "Make me an offer I can't refuse" was my response and they did!
Three years on I am at the computer non-stop (then GN etc when not at work!!!) and I LOVE IT!
Best thing I ever did - stress levels much reduced (Oh yes - I do have bad days in this job but who doesn't have the odd bad day?) - never dreamed I would actually LOVE admin but I do. I don't regret a thing! I am now 61 and intend working until I am 70 if I can! (It is only part-time but your piano teaching need not be full time unless you want it)
My advice is GO FOR IT !!!!
If you can manage financially and can achieve the necessary qualifications (you did say RE-train so I assume you have already had experience?) close your eyes and leap in!
I wish you every success - let us know how you get on! Cheers!

hello gettingonabit.
At 52 I don't believe that you are getting on a bit - maybe when you're 72.
May I make a suggestion? A quick change of outlook seems to be in order (I do know it's easier said than done); how about stillgotit as a user name? If you have QTS and are musically competent then you have wonderful skills to share and like sbagran you may find you're embarking on something you'll love. Nothing ventured nothing gained seems an apt observation.

gettingonabit - I think it's a grand idea. I re-trained (in my 40's) and did something completely different, where I felt I had 'come home', and it was the best thing I ever did.

Not the least bit unreasonable. Go for it.

I changed career completely at the age of 50 - went from being a medical social worker to arts outreach, photography, singing. I did a photography qualification at the local college. Lucky to have OH who supported me (emotionally, not financially - it made us quite poor).
Just do it!
I occaionally help out music-wise with children or others - I play the flute to a fairly basic standard and have singing and choir-leading skills. But I know my limitations and I think that is the important thing - not to pretend to be something you are not, which clearly you realise. I think it is a lovely idea to share your skills for the benefit of others; and you will bring enthusiasm and freshness which cannot be measured and are very precious.

Many women now in their 50 will be still charging around in their 70s and probably 80s too. I have a relative who is still producing academic books in her 80s. Health is the lottery as to how long healthy late adulthood continues.
If this is what you want to do, roll up your sleeves. Good point about "keyboards" though - a rose by any other name.

Great idea gettingonabit, exploit any skill you have and enjoy a whole new career, doing what you enjoy and working for yourself. Ideal!

Good for you gettingonabit. New career for me at 40, has been wonderful, now another one starting at 60. Wonder what 80 will bring? I hope you thrive and prosper as a piano teacher.

Go for it, you have the skills use them and enjoy.

Thanks all, for your fantastic advice. Good point on "keyboard" - and the point on negative outlook is valid too. Lovely to hear your stories and confirmation that I'm not quite past it yet!!

Of course you're not past it gettingonabit. Take a deep breath and GO, GO, GO.......

In 2004 when I became 60 I was forced into retirement by the Medical Centre that I had worked in for many years. This was due to the Practice rule that as well as their GPs retiring at 60 all members of the staff do so as well. Whilst I could understand that GPs are pretty worn out by 60, Medical Secretaries were not. I had an excellent record with few sick days, not to mention a wealth of experience. They refused to be budged 'rules are rules'. Of course now this can can't happen I missed that law by a year.
So with two years left on my mortgage I was out of work with just a few pensions to rely on. Who was going to take on a middle aged lady, well at the level I had retired on. In the end I started to work for Waitrose, on their tills for awhile [hated it] but now after a few years I'm an Internet Shopper. Love the job, the John Lewis Partnership is a great compay - I get 15% discount on food and 25% on most JL things - not electrical items. At 52 you should be able to find a decent full time job. Lots of campanies prefer older staff we are more reliable, less sick and we work very hard indeed. If there is a Waitrose or John Lewis near you try there.