I'm 37, I have few academic qualifications so to transition would require 4-5 years more education and then I'd be a 42-43 year old competing against guys comin

I'm 37, I have few academic qualifications so to transition would require 4-5 years more education and then I'd be a 42-43 year old competing against guys coming straight out of university with a background in desktop and web application development. Practicalities really.