[holografix]

What do you mean by scrappy Silicon Valley tech dream?

I think you’re 5-10 years late unless you turn yourself into a GenAI/Machine Learning specialist very quickly. The Bay Area has attracted the worst type of people to compete with. It’s packed full of gold miners and even more shovel sellers. Try somewhere else.

Do you have any money? Are you technically savvy? Can you take a 12 months course from a reputable institution that may award you a ML qualification?

Turn your age and background into a strength. You’re mature, dependable, hungry, professional. You show up, you get it, you can relate with the middle age hiring manager. You need a chance and you won’t waste it like some 25 year old jib hopping. You’re willing to work for a little less but not much less.

[mplewis]

ML is a boom/bust industry and it’s a current fad. I recommend looking for infra work instead — plumbing is always in style.