A lot of software jobs require, say, 3, 5, or 7 years of experience, and they're looking for someone who is minimally qualified, or possibly even slightly under

A lot of software jobs require, say, 3, 5, or 7 years of experience, and they're looking for someone who is minimally qualified, or possibly even slightly underqualified who will see it as an amazing opportunity that they are lucking to have and grow into - and not someone who has essentially already done that job for many years. You may have more success if you can identify and move into a role that requires, and values, 15+ years of experience - probably management of some sort.