[jey]

> I've found it hard to break in without a degree.

You don't need a degree if you have substantial projects and put them on your resume. Your resume just needs to convey that you have actually done significant programming work and that you're good at it.

If you don't yet have a portfolio of projects, you can start building it now.

[curmudgeon22]

One option that could help with projects are udemy or similar courses. I've done a couple courses centered around a project, like this one: https://www.udemy.com/course/the-complete-react-native-and-r...

You'd probably want to personalize/customize the projects, but could be a good starting point.

[polishdude20]

Yep this. It will take a while to make some projects that you'll be happy to display publicly but this is the cheapest route to go.

[temp234]

The longer I am around the more I realize that pretty much every knowledge worker field or creative field is just about having a rocking public portfolio and passing the van/line/airport test: "Would you want to be stuck in a van/line/airport with this person? Are they respectful and nice?" You can break into a surprising number of industries with time, a good heart, and work samples.