Wow! I'm beginning to feel quite old. I am one of the late starters. Worked in a couple of fields, last as a Travel Agent. One day I realized that I needed to make a serious change, the internet is killing travel agencies and I needed to find something that I really wanted to do. So I quit my job, took out a student loan and took a Very Intense 7 week 8-5 daily class in VB. The school required that each student take and pass with high scores an aptitude test before they would even let you attend. With no former experience, I passed (whew!) and at 33 years old basically started over. In 2 months I was hired in the interactive department at a advertising business as a programmer/developer. It was hard but worth it. I wish I had started at 12 and 13 like most of you, when I made more brain cells. And I agree with the others, learn,learn,learn! Read everything, keep up on the latest, and get as many languages as you can, and certifications(they are considered important). You guys do this and I envy where you will be at my age (34 now). Anyway good luck to all!
(by the way Kansas City MO)