If you were in position, what would you have done?
Tips to start: The most important part is to just start coding as quickly as possible and learn as you go. A personal project can really help to maximize motivation and actual hours spent coding. As for the language, I don't think it matters what you pick and everybody suggests something different. I didn't like coding in python at all. Personally, I prefer languages with static typing, especially when you start out (so the IDE can help you). For me, that perfect beginner language was Java, since it's simple, structured and you can completely forget about memory management.
Just don't spend too much time thinking whether you should start or not. I wasted years with that mindset. Just do it.
EDIT: Sorry I didn't really answer your questions, I just don't know enough about web development to help you in that regard. Consider this a motivational comment that gets you started.
Here's what I did exactly;
* Quit and lived like a beggar for 6 months. It was tough, I burned through all the little savings I had and ended up having to borrow money to pay the bills(Don't do this, keep your job, work like hell at night and weekends)
* I started with HarvardX CS50, a free online course that will help you out immensely initially. I knew very little about coding when I started it. (Do this)
* Build websites and apply for jobs. Junior Jobs. Very, very low paying jobs. I landed one and started getting experience. (Do this)
* Go to coding and tech meetups. (I didn't do this, but should have)
When you have experience doors start opening up for you. Good Luck!
In-depth HTML, JS, and CSS knowledge do not differentiate you in the application/interview process but they do give you an advantage once you start working. You will impress not just the stakeholders, but the other developers as well, whose knowledge will be mostly limited to the specific framework they're using.
You are probably about where my son is now, although he's a few years younger than you. He is moving from electronics / HVAC into a career in web design/development and is already getting decent gigs on a freelance basis and has had several interviews for jobs that pay what I could only have dreamed of as a struggling FE lecturer when I was his age. You could follow his Instagram at 'countryside.coder' and maybe pick up some tips - he has various friends/followers that are doing the same thing. Getting into the Google scholarship program has been a big help to him. In terms of skills: the usual - Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS. He is now learning PHP as he's picking up work that requires it (Wordpress, Drupal). Good luck to you!
Here's a podcast interview with the authors, to give you a flavor of what it's about > http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2016-10-03/using-design-th...
Also, NY Times review > https://www.nytimes.com/2016/09/18/fashion/design-thinking-s...
And - Goodreads reviews here > http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26046333-designing-your-l...
If you want to go the self-study route, I'd recommend something like Odin Project, freecodecamp, or a a-la-carte program using coursera/edx/treehouse etc.
Javascript is a fine language to start with, if you want something a little more robust or transferable, check out python. But in all reality once you learn how to learn a language picking up new ones is a lot easier than starting from scratch.
Just like a diet, the best program is the one you can stick to. Pick a program and set a deadline for your self. Push as hard as you can until then, and then evaluate and change things up as you see fit.
Personally I would stay away from boot camps and "job ready programs". They seem to work for quite a few people, and if you have the resources (money) to do one, it wouldn't hurt - but for the average person it's tough to swing 8-12 weeks of no income + paying for lessons that can be learned for free, albeit at a slower pace.
I guess I'm saying you are never to old. Start learning and embrace the change.
2. look for online to something like this: https://code4startup.com/projects/airalien-clone-airbnb-with...
with the tech your looking for. do a couple of these kinds of sites to get a feel for it.
3. go to freelancer or upwork and get some projects no matter the pay.
4. once you've got some "professional experience" work with a recruiter to find a job.
5. look for interview questions for those technologies.
6. talk with confidence about how you love xyz tech. and explain how you'll pick up there environment with no problem.
The web is so wide..starts with some Googling about those topics, I also would suggest some free course on Udacity Platform.
Bye!
Stacks, huh, it is a tough one. It is really individual, I personally have started with C, but didn't like it, than moved to Java and now JavaScript and Node.
You can maybe try with this https://javascript30.com/ and see how it goes.
Best of luck!
My personal opinion is to start with a language like Python for programming. Learn the fundamentals and then start with web development after that. There are many other ways to go about it depending on what you want to do.