[Joof]

1. Would open source work help? 2. I was homeschooled (read: self-taught in grade school), my work ethic primarily kicks in at home. How can I use this to help me land an interview?

[gnur]

Communicate that you are self-taught in grade school and that your work ethic primarily kicks in at home ;).

Perhaps you need to find some different words, but a strong motivation with your application helps miles in getting a job.