Less Wrong frequently suggests that people become professional programmers, since it's a fun job that pays decently. If you're already a programmer, but want to get better, you should consider Hacker School, which is now accepting applications for its fall batch. It doesn't cost anything, and there are even grants available for living expenses.
Full disclosure: it's run by friends of mine, and my wife attended.
If it's worth saying, but not worth its own post, even in Discussion, it goes here.