There is a major difference between learning programming and learning how to start a career as a programmer. The skill sets needed are very different. You can

There is a major difference between learning programming and learning how to start a career as a programmer. The skill sets needed are very different. You can either become a good developer and get hired on merit. Or, you can become an imposer who has great social (and bullshitting) skills and manage your career that way. The second option is undoubtedly easier. The reason I'm bringing that up is because for an adult, starting from scratch, with no computer science degree, doing it yourself, you are easily looking at four years of hard study 8h/day to become competent. I think almost anyone can do it, but very few have enough time and stubbornness to pull it through.