With hindsight would you take the same path with your career and funds? I find myself at this crossroad right now, both financially and professionally, so found your article useful - thank you.
If you're asking me this question because you hope my answer will inform your decision that's the wrong reason to ask. This is an intensely personal choice, and what you want out of life is very unlikely to be the same as what I do (that's what makes trade possible!) I'm glad I did it despite the fact that it cost me a lot of money because I know that if I hadn't tried I would have regretted it more than I regret the lost money. But that's just me.