[dingusthemingus]

Im in a similar boat, most things are free to learn online unless you want to buy textbooks, so the only thing left is certificates and learning courses with teachers. Not sure i want to commit my free time studying for those things.

I told my company i was going to get a certificate but never did and free time programing has been spent freelancing/learning random stuff.

[LeonB]

You can learn everything for free - but the paid courses are valuable and can make it quicker and easier to learn, as the authors take the time to be more comprehensive and consistent. (I spend my own money on them)