Where to start learning AI for the notorious complete beginner?

Question

Neural networks

I have absolutely no idea even the complexity of the industry. What is it divided into, what necessary foundations does it pull. Therefore, I ask you to give some guidance to those who do not find it difficult to spend 5 minutes.
1. Of course, there is a working question. Those. how long can it take (in months, years) from the moment you start studying to the moment you get a job in the worst and best case, provided that there is no discrete mathematics or python programming behind you. And no, employment is not the main thing now, it's still a question of time, rather.
2. Where to start, where to move and how to choose your path in this business?
3. What application areas exist?
4. What fundamental knowledge will need to be raised right now, and what can be done in the future in parallel with work? Taking into account the fact that specialized knowledge remained in the basics of OOP and mathematics at the level of grade 11.