I was a PHB in a Spanish internet company, now unemployed. I have some cool ideas to implement in the Web but have little programming background and I'm 36. Is too late for me to join the party?
Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
1–10 of 77 posts
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#2Ideas is what matters the most in my opinion... go for it, buy a book and get your hands dirty. Another option would be to leave the technical stuff to a co-founder.
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#3Yes, it's too late. Kill yourself you old beaner.
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#4Ideas and work ethic matter more than previous skills.
You might get a leg up by choosing a technical co-founder that is willing to be your mentor on your programming education.
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#5Forget programming. Try landscaping, day laboring, Taco Bell, or being a busboy. Maybe being a drug mule if you're really adventurous.
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#6Don't see why not, depends I guess if your unemployed and need to get employment/ make money quick or if you have time to really get into what your doing and learn programming.
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#736 years, count 5 years to become proficient, it remains something like 25 years to enjoy your new expertise.
On the other hand, if it's for starting a company, perhaps that your skills would be better used elsewhere than in learning a full new world, and so taking a developer with you may be the best.
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#8It's taken me about 5 years to feel comfortable enough to put myself out there to the world as a competent programmer. You have to want it, I can't tell you how many all nighters I have put in researching problems, trying coding patterns, etc. Find a bunch of proverbial nails and start hammering away.
speaking of all nighters.
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#936 years isn't the end of the world. Have a day work to pay the mortgage and code!.
Re: Ask HN: Is 36 too late to start into programming?
#10Nope, its never too late to try and succeed.
The only requirement is that you do have mindset suitable for programming. I've seen quite a few people struggle with programming who don't have an inherent logical thinking cap on their head!