[shoeless]

I received my CS degree in 1984. I started my first consulting business 12 years later at 35, and founded a startup last year with a co-founder.

You will experience ageism, so plan on cutting your own path in either consulting, freelance development, or founding your own company. Build your network - that is where you will expand your opportunities.

Don't let anyone ever tell you that you can't have a productive software development career at any age.