MiddleManMe, don't throw in the towel just yet. You are far from being put out to pasture. I would disagree that the filed is populated by younger people. Without a demographic study that assumption bears little weight. It's possible that the age demographic of first-time RepRap printer owners is a younger crowd looking for ways to print iPhone cases and game controller knobs, but I'd venture to guess that most of the people who have been critical to the development of the technologies that have fostered this industry are in their 40's and 50's. That's because it takes some time to develop skills to be able to design and produce components for new technologies. Learning to design, prototype, test and manufacture the parts for a hot-end are very different for a kid learning computer skills, programming and hacking (not the destructive kind). Don't get me wrong, programming and hacking are critical to this industry. But there is noting about this industry that is tailored to younger people except for their willingness to accept new ideas and concepts. Many 40ish and 50ish people get set in their ways and forget how to embrace new things. Mind you I said "many" and not "all."

I've been experimenting with 3d printing since just last year but I've been a designer and 3d animator for 29 years and I'm just now feeling that I'm beginning to reach full speed and my tachometer is still only half way to the red-line. I often read articles about 50ish people being labeled as dead to the employment population but you have consider the industries. Sure, if you've only been a master pipe fitter your whole life and have done nothing else, maybe. But, in the creative, design and thinking world, you never age out. You don't have to have spiked hair, wear Tims or wear checkered jeans to be an active catalyst in this industry. Don't make assumptions about what the world "might" think of you and your age. You are in control of your future. Jump in with both feet, learn and experiment. If you have talent and determination then you'll find a way to make it work for you.

Having said that, at this time, owning one 3d printer and printing 3d objects will not replace your day job. You just can't print fast enough and charge enough to make it into a profitable business. But, you can get into the industry for less than $1500 and begin to learn. Then you can find a fit for your skills and interests and market yourself with this new found expertise. With passion and diligence you'd succeed if you really have the desire and fortitude.

Learning sophisticated 3d software would be helpful but not critical. There are a number of free 3d programs available that allow you to make some pretty complex objects. If you are at all competent with a computer you should have no problem. Search this site for discussions about 3d printing software for guidance. It takes years to master programs like 3ds Max and Maya but you can do a lot of work with 3d printers without that mastery. But, if you start learning 3d software now (go get something like Blender...it's free and uber powerful), in two years you'll be pretty darn good and look back at this post and chuckle.

This industry is wide open right now. No one can speculate where it will be in 5 or 10 years with any reliability. There is just no way to know. What we do know is that right now it's a freight train going downhill with no brakes and it is accelerating. You could not have picked a better time to jump into the fray. For the first time the technology is attainable by almost anyone, of any age or gender.

So, hop on board because worst case scenario, you'll have a way to make useful items for your family. Best case scenario, you'll find a new career and prosper in it.