Stress!

[Marmoot]

One thing you learn as you get older is that it's never too late to startover. I retrained at 30+ years of age. Another 10 years later I'm considering a further change. It really comes down to how much you're willing to put up with in order to change. Usually a big drop in income (initially) and maybe a student loan to deal with. However if you went into a trade you'd be earning as you learnt which isn't a bad thing.

True enough, MacD. But, since I am talking for the fact at the moment, I cannot afford any income drop whatsoever due to me being lower working class (which the government tax to death without giving anything back).
Being in that class, my saving is minuscule and I am forced to plan daily life very (read: VERY) carefully as not to overspend. Thus, going back to learning means going back to dependency (which: I do not have anything to depend upon), and hence impossible.

Let's face it: being sort of at the middle class is not easy in this country of taxation and benefits. The rich can afford extra tax, it matters none for them. The poor gets the benefits, helps them out especially with this new government give-out. The middle class get stuck in the middle.

[MacD]

True enough, MacD. But, since I am talking for the fact at the moment, I cannot afford any income drop whatsoever due to me being lower working class (which the government tax to death without giving anything back).

Sure, it depends very much on your obligations such as children or other dependents. By the way if you think you don't get anything back from the government in NZ I suggest trying to live on the minimum wage in somewhere like the US.

Being in that class, my saving is minuscule and I am forced to plan daily life very (read: VERY) carefully as not to overspend. Thus, going back to learning means going back to dependency (which: I do not have anything to depend upon), and hence impossible.

It may mean going into debt which is what I did. The question is whether that debt is worth it to you, either in improved earning capacity in the future or in increased personal satisfaction. I don't know you so I can't comment on your personal situation, but it seems there are quite a few people on this board who have taken steps to change their lives at some time or other which may help you think about what options are available to you?