[droobles]

In my experience as a self-taught programmer who switched careers to software, the first 3-4 years not much time at all to spend with family and friends. After that period you reach a plateau of sorts, the top of the bell curve, where you are "caught up" to traditionally taught peers. The mandatory time spent learning drops significantly and anything new becomes optional since the fundamentals are now ingrained. That's the point where you can take it easy and spend time with loved ones and pursue other hobbies. That 3-4 years is a sacrifice to raise one's earning potential, which could mean a higher quality of life for his family. It's an investment.

My belief is that it would be the same case if today one switched from programming to medicine, or any other specialized field - some years of catching up and then one day, that person is qualified to practice their craft like anyone else in that field who is qualified.