Like scotty79 says, at least you know what you're doing in those ten years. Perhaps an easier analogy would be a lawyer or engineer (ABET degree + coop)? For pr

Like scotty79 says, at least you know what you're doing in those ten years. Perhaps an easier analogy would be a lawyer or engineer (ABET degree + coop)? For programming, you get the following "advice": * Get a degree * Don't get a degree, go to a bootcamp/teach yourself * Do side projects * Get an internship * Network and go to meet ups * Learn algorithms and data structures * Practice brain teaser questions * Learn these languages * Learn these languages' frameworks I'm exaggerating and people can get hired by not know all (or any!) of these, but you get my point. It can be a confusing and overwhelming path both for people who want a career change or are graduating from university. For some, the path to being a doctor is "easier".