Would you take a job of developing business from scratch?

I'm pretty proficient with Ruby on Rails. What next?

• I started learning programming from scratch about a year ago, and currently have a production RoR/Heroku site that gets about 300 people per day or so. It's not big enough to where I can raise $, so I just want to find a full-time job somewhere, and maintain my project on the side. I feel like I have a pretty firm grasp of developing a basic application in Rails, but am by no means a rockstar (I have no CS background whatsoever, and am kinda old at 33 years old). Which of the following do you think is the best next step for a "tweener" like me? - Entry-level Backend Engineer: This is what I'm most interested in, if it's realistic. I currently have a very limited understanding of what Rails and Heroku do in the background.  I'm willing to commit the time to really try to learn this, but I also have the impression that backend guys have years of experience going back to their teenage years. Is it unrealistic for an older guy to develop backend expertise from scratch? - Entry-level frontend Engineer: I guess this would be an easier transition for me, although I'm not exactly a JS whiz. This is second most attractive. - Product Manager: Given my experience building my current product, and my business background (consulting, and an MBA from a top school), I feel like I may qualify for a job like this. That said, I feel like if I take a job like this, I'm pretty much giving up on ever developing real engineering expertise. Feedback much appreciated!

• Answer:

  Entry-level Backend Engineer "... but I also have the impression that backend  guys have years of experience going back to their teenage years." I'd quote a friend of mine here, coaching at Rails Girls: "They are not smarter than you, they've just been doing this for a long time." There's a reason why there would be 'entry-level' or 'junior' in front of your job title, you can learn on the job! Additionally: many companies value the input of someone who's relatively new to programming. Just talk them through your ideas, show enthusiasm and that you're eager to learn. Hopefully they'll pair you up with one of the more experienced developers and you'll be learning tons! Entry-level frontend Engineer "I'm not exactly a JS whiz." You'll (need to) learn on the job. And with real-life challenges and projects, trust me, you will! Product Manager "I feel like if I take a job like this, I'm pretty much giving up  on ever developing real engineering expertise." Definitely. As a product manager, you won't write any code (or hardly ever) as your focus should be elsewhere. Good luck!