[gnz11]

> I do have a lurking fear there is some truth to that, and that I'll never fit in at this stage in my life.

Eh, I'm in my early 40s FWIW and I don't worry about these things. I meet people of all ages and walks of life who are working in software. However, if you are wanting to work for some flashy start-up or some hipster design shop, then I suppose I can see how that might skew your outlook...but that's not exclusive to only the software world.

Also, keep in mind that the 20, 30 year olds of today will become 40, 50+ year olds soon (time flies!). Since you are 28 now, by the time you reach your 40s, there will be even more middle-age engineers and greybeards running around.

> if I am going to be discriminated against just because of my age then I don't think it is worth it.

...another thing to keep in mind is that age discrimination is illegal, even in the US.