Quote Originally Posted by nmadd[*
My age. By the time I learn enough to think I can give this a shot, I'll be the big 3-0. Do you think that matters? I'm going to be have to looking for an entry level programming job and I imagine that the employer will be looking for somebody straight out of college that the probably don't have to pay as much. What are the chances they'll want some old guy with no previous experience? I can't imagine that it is ever to late to start though?[/LIST]
This actually might help. Regardless of your age, entry level positions pay entry level salaries. Your age isn't going to get you one cent more. However, given that they would pay you the same as they would pay a 22 year old recent college grad, who do you think they would rather have?

I'd say the 30 year old. The professional experience level is the same, but the maturity level is multipled by 8 years.