Oh, chick - it IS hard, but you don't have to knock it over in the minimum time, either!
I'm doing the psych option - slow and steady...and this semester is looking really dicey, unfortunately (just because with young child and other volunteer committments, any unplanned events just upset a very delicate apple cart...and that happened this semester!).
The course is great and some days I feel more than up to it, and others I really just wish I never had this goal so that I could just be enjoying every day with my kidlet. But of course, I do have this goal, and I am at about the half way mark (well, just a little over), so I have to push on - DP wants me to do it (on its own, not a good enough reason to put myself through it), we've paid a lot of money in childcare all year so that it could be 'easier', and I really love the course. There are things I want to do that need me having this damn degree. Although, it's not the end of the world if I don't finish, because my last degree (pre-children!!) is really quite interesting (probably not very high paying!) and I could probably continue along those lines (current degree is a change in tack, because the last one was an Honours degree in Anthropology) and still look at what I am interested (i.e. breastfeeding!), just from a different discipline's perspective. Some days I think I'm not cut out of the scientific approach, and that the Arts, literary approach is far more my style. But I could add to my credibility by having this current course's degree IYKWIM? Just adds a different dimension.
Put it this way. If you are thinking you want to study, then your brain is up for anything you want to do - that doesn't make your choices any easier, but it does give you confidence if you need it. So, it's a matter of taking a leap of faith, realising that if that leap falls short because of life getting in the way...it's not the end of the world, you've still had your greatest, most lasting and significant achievement (at least, I really believe this in my case) and that's your DS Whatever I try and fail, I always have this to congratulate myself on - he's my walking certificate!
As for age, I'm 32, and I started this degree when I was 29. I could really freak myself out and think about the time factor in chronological years. Recently I decided to think about my future in terms of how I feel and to forget the years. We want a farm soon, and sometimes I think "I'm too old for a farm - I should have started years ago"...and then catch myself and ask where this restriction is coming from. It's only from me. And my age doesn't define me, it just describes me chronologically. So, then I think anew that I feel fit and vigorous enough for this farm caper, and no matter what my age is, I feel I could give a farm life a good 25 more years of my energy. And that's on top of finishing this degree and getting work as a counsellor and maybe writing some academic works (published or not!). So, I implore you not to tie yourself up in your years so far on earth - we are much more than self-imposed restrictions!!
So, in sum - it's hard, no-one said it was easy. Talk to course co-ordinators and the faculty people about what you want and they can then guide you in how to apply - first you need to know what course to apply for, so they're a good start.
Good luck!!