Not at 30, but I started to self-learn at 27. The key difference for me was that a) it was on the job so I had access to computers (the job wasn't related to co

Not at 30, but I started to self-learn at 27. The key difference for me was that a) it was on the job so I had access to computers (the job wasn't related to coding) and b) I didn't have any family commitments so I could do as much reading/practice/coding as I wanted. Many Saturdays and Sundays were spent at the Unix prompt. However, I wasn't driven by the desire for my own business or career growth etc (nothing wrong with being driven by those - I do like money very much). The driving force that kept me going was that I absolutely loved programming. It is probably the one enduring thing that I never outgrew. I guess that is why many many years later, I'm still coding. And I still love it.