Rules are rough estimates. Do this and this could happen or not. Roughly stating a generalization of consequences. Every rule breaker does not get punished and vice versa.
Gladwell is a soldier in the imperial arsenal. His books are disgusting because they mislead and confuse. I promise you it doesn’t take 10k hours to achieve whatever he thinks. It might take that long if you are going in alone with no mentor. But if you are then yes it’s too late. To become an expert. But who cares about being expert? Being good at your job doesn’t matter as much as being courteous and becoming friends with the people you interact with. Job proficiency just proves you don’t know anybody so you have to try and compensate by being an expert. You can only be an expert in games like basketball and chess. They wont divulge their secrets that they worked hard for unless you’re their son. Our system is a long drawn out affair filled with time eating classes and training that isn’t necessary. The European gentry planned it this way so that they could come over and take jobs quickly while we spent our time in school or stupid jobs like healthcare. They do this in all areas of the economy.