I am glad that you enjoyed reading the “Blue Print” book. Thanks for giving me a chance to guide your endeavors.

Here are the answers that you are looking for:

How Does Your Age Affect Your Computer Programming Career?
1. Your age will not stop you from becoming a successful computer programmer.

I say this because you mentioned your age as being 42 years … which tells me that it’s on your mind. The reason why your age is not a factor is that “Computer Programming” is about your competency as in whether you can get the job done or not! If you can do a good job, your age, race, skin color, height, sex, etc. will be irrelevant in the long run!
You will still meet a few individuals who will discriminate because they have one personal bais or the other, but that is not going to be the majority.

Please Read These Two Articles On Age Discrimination & Computer Programming:
http://www.it-career-coach.net/2006/12/29/how-your-age-affects-your-programming-career-and-career-success-tips-for-beginning-programming-when-you-are-old/

http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/06/22/it-is-never-too-late-to-become-a-computer-programmer/

2. How Do You Start An Online Computer Programming Business?
Starting a computer programming business and succeeding in your endeavors depends on how good at marketing and computer programming.

Unlike the typical computer programmer who only has to be skilled in programming, you also have to be skilled in programming and managing a business (accounting, time management, strategic planning).

The good news is that the online programming business is quite active with a lot of developers trading their skills for money and a lot of employers or small businesses hiring competent software developers online.

Here are a few tips to help you succeed:

a.) Start by becoming the best software developer you can be.
b.) Keep your expenses and bills low, so that you can stay competitive and focus on building your online business.

Please read about “How To Become A Freelance Programmer”: http://www.it-career-coach.net/2009/09/13/how-to-become-a-freelance-programmer/

3. We recommend that you budget about $250 yearly to keep yourself current.

This is really nothing compared to how much a typical software developer in the USA will make: ($60K to Six Figures!). Our Software Developer Training costs do not include the costs of books as you can get those books optionally from Amazon.com or from a local bookstore :

4. IT changes rapidly but we keep our courses relevant and in-demand by constantly updating them. Furthermore, when a new technology comes out, it builds on previous technologies. Also clients typically have to maintain the older technologies for up to 5 years before they completely transition to the new software.

For example, there are still clients hiring for Visual Basic 6.0 which was replaced about ten years ago. And languages like Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 did not make .NET 1.0, 1.1 obsolete but rather were built on them.

I encourage you to take the step into becoming a successful online software developer especially now when the Information Technology / Software Development Industry is doing quite well!

Enjoyed your ” Blue Print ” book. It further aroused my interest in changing careers (auto mechanic) at age 42.

I’m planning on ordering the ” Computer Programmers ” book and possibly the “Boot Camp ” course. However, I was hoping you can answer a couple of questions for me.

First , what are my chances of succeeding strictly as an Online Programmer. You see, having a slight speech impediment, so working with others wouldn’t really
work for me. But I do have determination and stick- to-itiveness that I think would help me as a programmer.

I’m willing to spend 50-55 hrs a week to succeed since I have no family and prefer being alone.

Second, on average how much money and how many books do I need to spend yearly to keep up with IT. Will you have these training and books available?

Lastly, since IT changes so fast will your courses become obsolete making me spend more time and money?

I’d be very grateful if you can give me any advice and therefore encouragement before I embark on this journey!

Sincerely, Augusto Aldana