One thing I can say in my favour is that I'm a deep thinker, I try to understand and grok what is needed. What kind of computer related job would benefit from a deep thinker?,<p>How could I sell or promote this ability?
I would say that all programming requires deep thinking. Do you know how to program? If not why not?<p>If you don't want to program you could try become a business analyst. They also require deep thinking about the business, it's needs, it's data and it's systems.
As a Math Professor, I think you would best fit in a Machine learning/Data scientist role in any tech company.<p>It's where Most people of your demographic (I can think) of are.<p>Its also one of the most difficult fields in tech, so your "deep thinking" is an obvious advantage.<p>How to promote/sell your ability?<p>I advise you to may be get into
the industry (also learn some python) <a href="http://www.deeplearningbook.org/" rel="nofollow">http://www.deeplearningbook.org/</a><p>Write some papers on your orginal thoughts/ideas and publish them on the <a href="http://arxiv.org" rel="nofollow">http://arxiv.org</a>
I'm 44 and Elixir is a fine choice to start work in, although it's still a small (but growing) market. One possible impediment (for me as well) is subtle age bias- A lot of Elixir folks are really young (relative to us).<p>If you're great at math/linear algebra, an online certificate from one of the machine learning classes out there would probably help get your foot in the door somewhere!
* Solution Architect would require deep thinking.<p>* Research Jobs. Microsoft Research for example.<p>* PhD - you may get some living allowance, which will allow you to 'survive" if you have no mortgage or family to support.<p>If you want to think deep then choose carefully who you work for. If they need to "move fast and break things" then you may not get the chance to think deep.
Thinker with an experience and knowledge in particular domain may be a very valuable employee as a visionary. Sorry, maybe it sounds very tough, but probably you haven't any chance to find a computer job at that age if you never worked in that industry before. And anyway good luck in your journey!