[ChrisMarshallNY]

The only way is the way that I've been forced to work, my entire life.

I'm a high school dropout with a GED, and some rather spotty tech training.

That means that I have had to fight, claw, and prove myself at every single step. No easy slopes for me. Double-black-diamond, the whole way. Very darwinian. Exhausting.

Fortunately, I don't have to prove myself to anyone, anymore. I am working with a bunch of folks that have known me for years, and are quite aware that I'm "for real." I don't make a dime, and don't really care. I enjoy the work.

Kind of a relief, really.

[tchalla]

Thanks for that context. I am still curious - How can you change what other people assume that you think is not correct?

[ChrisMarshallNY]

I guess I don't understand the question.

I can't prevent other people from assuming anything.

I have a portfolio, with complete, start-to-finish repos of many shipped projects. If no one wants to review it, then there's nothing I can do.