[markatkinson]

This sounds more like my situation. I managed to go from a glorified data capturing role in finance labeled as a "financial analyst" and realizing that I wanted nothing to do with finance. I then moved "diagonally" into a more technical roll, built up some tech skills and I have just landed a proper software development roll after about a 3 to 4 year journey. I am 29. My only advice is make sure you feed your passion, don't let it die. Also you can start by trying to get hired into a position that doesn't necessarily put you exactly I software development but puts you on the path. Caveat: This is all in South Africa, and as a person with semi decent tech skills and a few years of experience I actually feel like I wear the pants in most my work relationships.