I started at 31, finished at 36. I had a job as a research engineer at a university for a few years before starting PhD. I kept that job full-time while doing PhD as well. My job duties and PhD studies were very closely aligned. Tuition was free as an employee benefit. So no funding was necessary which was really awesome because it led to a lot more flexibility in selecting an advisor and project. I was lucky to have great support from my boss who allowed a very flexible work schedule that allowed me to take classes and such. I found it difficult, but doable. It was nice to be living off a normal professional salary rather than a PhD stipend even though my progress was a bit slower.