Fine Woodworking receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs. I had a good colleague (like a second father figure to me) who, at the end of 40, grew tired of the corporate world of work and went on to dedicate himself to carpentry in general.
To earn decent money, you have to be better than almost everyone else, of course those who think that a table saw and a belt sander turn them into carpenters.
Without a doubt, maintaining your daily work while learning the basics and discovering if the reality of carpentry is at the height of romance is a good advice. Although the term carpenter may evoke the image of a craftsman who uses hand tools to build ornate furniture, the modern craft of carpentry is highly technical and depends on advanced equipment and highly skilled operators.I think it's worth listening to the podcast Against the Grain, since they are 3 people who are dedicated to carpentry as a profession. After machining the parts, carpenters add fasteners and adhesives and connect the parts to form an assembled unit. My first instinct is something that is within the field of carpentry, since that is what I have always wanted to do as a hobby. We will return to the Connecticut Valley Carpentry School to enjoy two days of camaraderie in the carpentry shop while drooling over new and old tools.
If you like to work with your hands, there may be other careers that pay well and that you like, such as an electrician, machinist or engineer. A new career opportunity is always exciting, but your post implies that you want to dedicate yourself to carpentry without having built and finished anything with expensive hardwood. Carpenters manufacture a variety of products, such as cabinets and furniture, using wood, veneers and laminates. To get started in carpentry, you'll need to be able to accumulate capital to invest in the business, both in equipment and in training.