Re:Yes, go for it. (Score 1)

** What have some of the 'older' Slashdot readers experienced as far as being replaced or just plain not getting hired because IT is a 'young man's game'?"

As an 'old guy' of 44, I have not seen a trend to replace old guys or not hire them due to age. I'm not in a management position, but I've been involved in interviewing for a dozen or so jobs over the years. The degree only means something for your first job, maybe your second. After that, it's your experience.

I'd advise anyone in CS (or any other field, for that metter) to get as much experience in work terms as you can, find a mentor to help you focus your learning and apply the experience that you have.

Get the CS degree, learn your material, and focus on solving the problem not just writing programs. At least 75% of my job is digging the requirements out of the manager/user/customer. And for that you have an advantage over the younger set - you have more experience talking to people. Everyone thinks (or maybe used to think) CS grads just sit in a cubicle and code. You need to talk to people and find out what the requirements are, what they may grow to be, then design and implement well designed, well documented, tested programs. In a small team or a larger team, that's what it boils down to.

I'm sure you'll do well. You've learned to ask questions - that's important.