It appears he spent the time honing his fund-raising skills. I'm 43 and a teacher, and as you know, that really doesn't pay very well. I want to make a career change before it's too late. Due to all the shortages in high tech, I don't see a problem of finding a job. The problem is getting the training and experience to get into the industry.
Community colleges are a great, inexpensive method of getting training.
Certificates will help you get your foot in the door. You can also go on the Internet and find some of the companies you might want to work for and contact their HR manager to determine the type of help they are looking for.