it's never easy to change your career path and it takes quite some time. i started preparation since yr 1 when i joined CSC. and as far as i know, my time is already much shorter than a lot of other people coz i am simply luckier than them. so it took me that much time, be prepared ok?
u may suffer a lot, for your pay, your personal life, your boyfriend or family, but in the end, it's your own decision and they will support you eventually if they know you will be happier if you change your career goal.
Let me quote my favourite debator's motto: an opportunity only finds people with a ready mind. and i would say, ready mind is not good enough, you need to be ready completely. So, are you ready? :)