Ask HN: How to become a chef?

I'm a software developer pursuing a masters in CS after working in the field for a few years. Although I like programming and it used to be a passion of mine, slowly I've realized that I enjoy cooking more. I'm wondering about how to make the transition into a professional chef where I can make a good living - maybe own an artisan cafe or something. Have any of you done something similar? How did you go about doing it? Part-time? Switched abruptly? Chef School? Home training?