I did it. Was working a software job and realized that I wasn't excited about the industry. I decided to apply to Ph.D. programs in math, got accepted to some,

I did it. Was working a software job and realized that I wasn't excited about the industry. I decided to apply to Ph.D. programs in math, got accepted to some, started a Ph.D. at 26, now work as a professor. My years in industry weren't helpful in my Ph.D. applications, although from what I can tell they didn't hurt too much either. By the time I was applying for academic jobs I don't think anybody cared much what I had done before grad school. Different academic fields have very different cultures, and there are some which may value your industry experience. Overall we academics have an annoying habit of not caring about anything that happens outside the walls of the ivory tower, but not all fields are the same, and not all individual departments are the same. There are multiple definitions of a "successful academic career". If you want a tenure-track job at a research university, then yes, you absolutely need strong publications. If you want a tenure-track job at a more teaching-oriented university or college, then often you need strong publications there as well, but other factors are also very important. As far as the "age" bit -- there is probably some age discrimination, but in practice "age" means "years since you finished your Ph.D." There are also non-tenure-track positions. The pay varies from miserable (e.g. adjuncting) to mediocre but livable, and the job is primarily teaching with maybe a little bit of service. Can be a very enjoyable job, but it can be a little bit lonely, you're only a conditional member of the club. You'd probably need at least a Masters degree. Also beware of the "demographic cliff": fewer students are expected to go to college in the coming years than in the previous ones, which is going to have a big impact on faculty hiring, and which will probably cause a lot of small colleges to go under. So, if you go for an academic career, make sure it's in a field that's expected to grow in popularity. Bottom line -- difficult but maybe possible. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Good luck!