I posted a similar question on careeroverflow, but stackoverflow is just way more active and has way more users, so hopefully someone out there can help answer.

I am currently an embedded developer in the defense/aerospace world for a big company. While I like the benefits and the pay, it just isn't keeping me happy. The Paul Graham article: How To Do What You Love really struck home. The problem I face are my golden handcuffs. When I look at jobs out there, they all want 5+ years experience in that language with expertise in framework/tool/server A,B,C, etc...

I have worked in C and C++ on the job (in a real-time embedded environment) with some small things in C# and Java. I'm learning Ruby now to expand my knowledge, but I don't consider myself an expert in anything right now. I'd love to work on desktop applications or web apps.

Is it possible for someone like me to make the switch without going back to the start line? I'd love to leave the huge bureaucracy and work with some great developers. I'd be willing to work late and take a modest pay cut, but that isn't so clear just from a resume.

• For those that have altered their career path, how did you do it?
• For those people who are in charge of hiring, what can I do to help myself?