Im in a very similar position to you in age, career, & industry. I moved from a career in banking to a tech consultancy company (into a non technical but senior role) and have just started a part time Masters Degree in Software Development to learn to program. I agree with the pros and cons you mentioned. Another couple of pros in my mind are; 1. Gaining the skills to build my own digital products and services in my own time (to scratch an entrepreneurial itch), 2. Given enough practice, I think it'll be easier for me to contract as a programmer in future rather than with my current skillset, meaning I can look to work less (e.g. 6 months on, 6 months off etc.) which is something else I'd like to do. 3. I just generally enjoy the technology and building things.