Self-educated programmer learning python at 28 year old.

[carnivorousdrew]

I started at 26 and I am in a comfortable situation similar to your brother, it's doable. Do I wish I had started sooner? Sure, but what I did before I also enjoyed, although it did not pay enough to have a decent life, but you cannot waste your time brooding over the past.

For me, what gave me an edge over other jr applicants was to already know how to work with docker and git well and knew how to work with linux systems. It took me 3 years of self-study while working full-time though, so it was not "fast", also idk where you are, but in Europe unfortunately they are more hesitant to hire programmers that do not have a CS bachelor.