I did this "the long way" over the last 8 years taking it as a marathon more than a sprint. In my mid-30s I learned to program, studied business and economics,

I did this "the long way" over the last 8 years taking it as a marathon more than a sprint. In my mid-30s I learned to program, studied business and economics, and switched careers from being a 3d animator to a software consultant. Continued studies on technology, business and marketing - inspired by Paul Graham and subsequently HN - via a series of amazing "virtual mentors" over the last several years (Amy Hoy, Brennan Dunn, Nathan Barry, Patrick Mackenzie). This combined experience and study has lead to owning a successfully bootstrapped business. We don't have investors, we have a wonderful audience, and we just hired employee #1. Stack those bricks! Every one counts.