Is it too late to start over

Question

so I'm in my late 30s, have 6 kids, and am the sole breadwinner for my family. I have done a variety of websites over the last decade, and I've messed with WordPress php somewhat enough to know that I like coding. I find it cathartic. My question is, is there any realistic chance of me being able to switch careers and make enough starting to support my family. School isn't out of the question. But, am I too old to break in?

Answer 1

Nah. Skill is skill; if you can get results, I don't think they would care if you're 60.

Don't drop everything to do this, but if you learn HTML+CSS+JavaScript and whatever JavaScript framework of the month is popular (there's alot of choices and they keep changing. learn a few and I think you'll be hired somewhere), you can easily get started freelancing business websites for average Joe businesses who don't have a website yet. Show enough capability, you can get hired for a company too. I'd recommend working on learning it in your free time, following the courses here (they're not the best, but they get you started) and elsewhere. It's good you have some experience in PHP, it makes things easier to learn, and can be used as backend for sites.

I wish you luck!

Answer 2

I don't think you're too old, but the older you are, the harder it is to get a job.
If I were you, I'd spend some time after job to learn, make portfolio and after 3-6 months start look for a job in IT. Or maybe try to be freelancer first, good luck :)

Answer 3

It's not too late. However, I'm hesitant to comment on whether you can realistically support your family, I think only you can know that.

The great thing about coding is that you can learn it all on your own. Employers care much more about what you can do than a degree or a certificate, and especially in your situation going to school would be more hassle than what it's worth. Put your projects online on a site like Github and use that as your portfolio.

Just study and work relentlessly. Try to keep up with technology trends and learn useful but unique things. People who only (or mainly) know Java or C# are dime a dozen, but an ES6/Node.JS/React web developer, an open-source Python wizard or someone who is comfortable with functional programming using languages like Clojure or R isn't nearly as replaceable.

Good luck!

Answer 4

I would say no. But I wouldnt take any life changing actions based on randoms advice. I would try uni/school at nights to get a certificate before you up and quit.

I have seen people change careers later than you though. so there is that