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Comment by ben_pr | Hacker News Reader

One of the best hires I ever had was someone that was 50+ about 10+ years ago. He didn't have a technical background but wanted to be a programmer. It was a big risk but in two years time he became my top developer out performing those with 10+ years more experience. Now I primarily look to hire those with a few white hairs as they are much more stable and cause a lot less personal issues than those right out of school. If I was hiring and you really wanted to be a programmer I would certainly give you a shot at it. If you want to be in technology I don't see anything stopping you.

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This, old guys don't get enough respect. When I was a young coder I had several over 50 co workers who showed me the ropes. Now that I have gotten old myself I have come to realize that there is a wisdom in age.

The only thing thats stopping you from writing code is you, pick up a book, take a class (think community college don't spend a ton of money on it) -- if you have made it this far in business your probably fairly pragmatic already a skill most young coders have to learn.

Most of the older (50+) programmers I've worked with can code up a storm and are virtually drama free. Not sure what all the shade is about!

A lot of it is the toxic Silicon Valley "everyone-is-a-rebel-rockstar-Ruby-hacker-with-purple-hair-and-a-skateboard" bullshit perpetuated image of what a "programmer" should be. A 50+ guy in nice slacks who is perhaps not even a (gasp) Bernie Sanders supporter might find himself out-of-place in the typical Silicon Valley shop.

It's a culture thing, not a skills thing.

If you are not a Bernie supporter I suggest staying away from Silicon Valley period.

So I shouldn't dye my hair before running the interview gauntlet?

I won't let go of my Just For Men until they pry it from my cold, dead hands!

Shave your head instead.

Blasphemy. My locks are impressively full.

But if you do shave your head, you must get some of those stylish glasses. So says the fashion guidelines of the Programmers of the Middle Age.

What made you want to hire that person?

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