I'm 25 years old and I'm pretty much doing the same thing. Taking time off to work on my programming chops instead of jumping into another idea again as the "business guy". It sure beats spending six-figures getting an MBA or going to grad school these days... and I'm learning a ton. I'm absolutely loving it.
I learned Python first, then learned how to use linux and emacs, played with firefox add-ons to learn Javascript better, then started building web apps in PHP/MySQL, and now my plan is to spend my days learning and building stuff in Ruby and my nights working through these four books: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/414779/what-should-a-self...
25 here as well. Started with python, moved to Javascript (building chrome extensions), and currently have been getting into obj-c/iOS building iphone apps. I'm working full time right now, and find it a little difficult to progress because I'm so tired after after work. I'm really trying to push myself though. I want to move to webapps (django) at some point, but have to scratch a few itches on the iphone platform first.
Nice, I'd love to get into iphone apps sometime later on too. Yeah, I bet it is tough with a full-time job, which is why I'm so glad I'm taking time off to really focus on this while I still can at this age.
Initially I started with Python because everyone told me it was the best intro to coding, which it was and I'm glad I did. But I want to be focused on the web, so I think it's important to know PHP (despite some people knocking it, it's still used on 75% of the world's web servers).
The two languages I'm really focusing on now is Ruby and PHP. I want to get good with both. And if you want to do anything on the web, you gotta throw Javascript in there as well.
Oh yeah, I always hear great things about Django. Definitely want to try it out at some point. I'm just focusing on Ruby/PHP for now so as to not spread myself too thin.
I'm not judging Python. I'll definitely come back to it, but I'm just focused on Ruby and PHP for now. Ultimately, languages can always be picked up here and there, but what's most important are your problem solving skills and what you've built, I think.
I learned Python first, then learned how to use linux and emacs, played with firefox add-ons to learn Javascript better, then started building web apps in PHP/MySQL, and now my plan is to spend my days learning and building stuff in Ruby and my nights working through these four books: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/414779/what-should-a-self...
Best resource ever is from @yegg, I always check this for guidance before learning anything new: http://www.gabrielweinberg.com/startupswiki/Ask_YC_Archive
I've come a long way since I first set up my server on Slicehost. Good luck on your journey too.