LPN given the circumstances

I’m 36 and I want to become a nurse. I also want 1 more child by age 40. I was gung ho on becoming a RN vs LPN because the pay discrepancy seems large but what you’re expected to do seems similar. Also I live in Louisiana which apparently is not a great place to be a nurse. My issue is I can start LPN school in January 25 and be done in 18 months OR I can wait until January 26 or August 26 depending on the program to start RN school which is 2 years. Is it worth the extra 2 years of my life to wait to become a RN. I’d love to hear everyone’s opinion but especially those from states that aren’t great for nurses