Would I be considered a loser changing career paths at 26 going on 27 years old?

No just very immature if you think like that  MILLIONS of people change their carreer paths throughout their lives at various ages, millions take additional learning/training at all ages.....gone are the days where a person leaves school and remains in one job their whole life until retirement

Of course not. It's not that uncommon.

there are many reasons for doing so.  even if it at first it's a step back in pay, maybe the new career path has better opportunities for advancement.  or benefits.  

maybe get a part time job until you start your new one.  

When opportunity knocks, we either answer or not. If you have an opportunity to improve your lot in life, you should go for it.

No, many people do. In fact, a lot change throughout their life.