Teacher84, I am a current OT student and was also a special education teacher before making the switch! I started school last summer at 28. I go to a full-time program and am also self-sufficient. I admit that it's a struggle, but it can be done! I am able to work part-time, although the majority of my ability to live is paid for by student loans. I'm lucky that I am at an in-state school, so that helps a bit. A lot of people advice against working part-time. Here's how I look at it: I worked full-time and took my pre-reqs before entering OT school. Was it hard? Of course! However, that's what I had to do to apply. When it comes down to it, you do what you have to to feel good about your decisions. I don't necessarily make much working part-time, but for me, I know I would constantly be worried about my finances if I didn't earn at least a little money to supplement my loans. It can definitely be frustrating, making the transition from earning money to going in debt. I think about it more than I should really. But it IS worth it. The nice thing about OT is that you WILL find a job, and most of them pay more than teacher salaries.
Good luck in the application process! Always nice to see a fellow teacher turned OT!