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First, it takes years to become true expert in a particular branch of software development. There is no switch career button. You just have to put in the hours

First, it takes years to become true expert in a particular branch of software development. There is no switch career button. You just have to put in the hours to grow as a developer. You will spend the rest of your thirties just catching up with your peers. It's for you to decide whether you have the patience to do that persistently. Second, like any other white collar job, your earning potential is heavily backloaded. An early career software developer doesn't really make a lot of money. Even assuming that you are good, you well be well into your forties before you start making the big bucks. In the meantime, you'll be earning significantly less than your peers. Third, you could really screw up your WLB if you don't choose your employer right. People with non-traditional background often end up in terrible companies which use developers as expendable labor in stead of investing in their growth. I highly recommend that you explore opportunities in software development, but be aware of the challenges.

iainctduncan 6y ago
This all true and is a good warning. However... if you can find the right job, something that leverages your already existing experience and skills, you won't necessarily need to start at junior level pay. So I would agree wholeheartedly that the uniqueness of your situation means you should expect to spend a lot of time finding the right job. Fortunately, this business is such that our version of "a long time" is everyone else's "got a job real fast!" :-) I assess tech companies getting purchased, and have done 50 in the last two years. I'd say over 90% say it's really hard to hire and/or hang on to talent. It is absolutely a seller's market.