&#62;<i>"I think being in IT and in my 50's is a tremendous advantage."</i><p>I believe you, but can't help but wonder if you find that potential employers see it this way as well?<p>Some companies (Facebook comes to mind..) are reluctant to even hire people in their 30s, as they are not as receptive to "free pizza/code till 10pm" working style. Once you've reached the kids &#38; mortgage stage, unless you're a genius or an executive, your choices are severely limited as far as startups go.