[cyco130]

I'm 43 and I took my first fulltime gig 6 years ago. I was working in unrelated sectors before that. I've been wanting to relocate to another country lately and I managed to find a -better paying- job there too, and I signed the contract recently. It's my childhood hobby and I did do some open source or freelance work from time to time but never full time. I was a fine programmer at 16 but I'm a much better "engineer" now. Much better than 6 years ago too.

Yes, your chances of becoming a world-class developer (or athlete, or musician) are slim. But they were slim when you were 15 too. That's not the point. The world still needs heaps of above-average programmers, whatever the age.

Also, I'm in a rock band with some 65+ guys, playing anything from Beatles to AC/DC. They would have a good laugh if they heard your concerns :)

[devoutsalsa]

I’ve been a professional developer for 8 years now, and I’m 48. I’m very employable as above average individual contributor. Breaking into entry/mid level jobs at age 40 was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was worth it.

[cyco130]

I got lucky there. A friend and his friend had a small startup and they needed a Chrome extension which they didn't have the time to make. I offered my services and they liked the job I did and offered me a fulltime job. I refused initially because I was happy with my other job but I changed my mind a few months later.

The product (and the business) was successful and now we have dozens of employees.

[6stringmerc]

Congrats on the joy of a fogey bar band! I’m sure it keeps your brain more sharp than you think. Keeping those songs memorized and the sync up when life is a fountain of youth.