> * I can't leverage the last 10 years of my career; it would basically become a lost decade for me
I don't believe there's nothing you've learned that you couldn't apply to programming (not to mention software/application design).
I've applied concepts I've learned in biology class to programming! Also, a lot about programming is management, too: managing memory, managing data, managing workers, threads; just to name a few. Nothing we do in life is a lost to us! :-)
> * my technical skills are rusty
Well, programming is like any other language. If you don't use it, it will start to decay, but you'll never completely
forget it. So, it should be relatively easy (with the right motivation), to catch back up, and then pick up from there.
> * I think recruiters are going to give me a weird look
Well, I can't speak for anyone else (maybe I just have weird beliefs), but I don't see why anyone would give you a weird look. The only thing deserving of a weird look is your statement!
> I'd like to get opinions on whether going back to programming as a career in my late 30s is a good idea or not.
I don't think anyone can give you an answer to this question, but you yourself. You should probably try to get into it slowly, without disrupting your current career and if you're comfortable with it, make two sets of lists: one set about personal pros and cons (did you enjoy it? was it more stressful? do you think you're good at it?) and an objective one (do you estimate your current job pays better? is it more convenient? in which job are you more productive?).
I know this whole comment sounds like a "maybe," but you're the one whose opinions matters the most. :-D
">* I can't leverage the last 10 years of my career; it would basically become a lost decade for me
I don't believe there's nothing you've learned that you couldn't apply to programming (not to mention software/application design).
I've applied concepts I've learned in biology class to programming! Also, a lot about programming is management, too: managing memory, managing data, managing workers, threads; just to name a few. Nothing we do in life is a lost to us! :-)"
While you are right, i believe he is also right saying he can't leverage the last 10 years. His experience will be useful, but when applying to positions this won't make a difference. Companies hiring developers look for a very precise set of skills (This lang+That Lang+This DB+That pattern+etc...) and while his last 10 years might be a plus in particular cases, most of recruiters will just ignore them (especially if they are from the HR team).
I don't believe there's nothing you've learned that you couldn't apply to programming (not to mention software/application design).
I've applied concepts I've learned in biology class to programming! Also, a lot about programming is management, too: managing memory, managing data, managing workers, threads; just to name a few. Nothing we do in life is a lost to us! :-)
> * my technical skills are rusty
Well, programming is like any other language. If you don't use it, it will start to decay, but you'll never completely forget it. So, it should be relatively easy (with the right motivation), to catch back up, and then pick up from there.
> * I think recruiters are going to give me a weird look
Well, I can't speak for anyone else (maybe I just have weird beliefs), but I don't see why anyone would give you a weird look. The only thing deserving of a weird look is your statement!
> I'd like to get opinions on whether going back to programming as a career in my late 30s is a good idea or not.
I don't think anyone can give you an answer to this question, but you yourself. You should probably try to get into it slowly, without disrupting your current career and if you're comfortable with it, make two sets of lists: one set about personal pros and cons (did you enjoy it? was it more stressful? do you think you're good at it?) and an objective one (do you estimate your current job pays better? is it more convenient? in which job are you more productive?).
I know this whole comment sounds like a "maybe," but you're the one whose opinions matters the most. :-D