I was aimless all through my 20s and into my 30s. Started to realize that in every job I took, I ended up designing systems for how technology could improve the

I was aimless all through my 20s and into my 30s. Started to realize that in every job I took, I ended up designing systems for how technology could improve their processes. This led to a project management gig when I was 29. No University degree, no experience. That PM role lead to another in my early 30s. When that 2nd role ended, I was floating around again. Worked in events until I was in my mid-30s. After another short role as a PM, I started teaching myself to code. I was now around 34-35. An early coding project got picked up by TechCrunch, and I think the recognition, and a lot of people being impressed drove me further down the SE path. I did some contract SE work, learned some ML, really just experimented until I got my first proper SE job at 40. I hated it. Left that gig and was super fortunate to land a job at CSIRO (Australia's science and technology research agency). Now I was an SE with some cred, but WAY outdone by my collogues, many of whom had PhDs. I was out of place, couldn't quite keep up. I ended up as a mix Product Manager/Project Manager/Software Engineer, then spun out some tech to create a new company where I became CEO. I was 44 at the time. So yes, you can DEFINITELY start over your career after 30. We're now in the neurotech field, and that's all new to me as well (now at 50). Way out of my depth, but loving to learn. Another way to think of it, if you had been an SE in the finance market until you were 40, would you ask if you could become an SE in (insert field of interest here)? Of course you could! You still have your experience, even if you think it isn't a positive experience. As long as you are a good person, with an interest to learn, there is a market for your skills.