[mbielski]

There are a few key points that you are missing that are worth pointing out:

1) Have your resume redone by a professional. You're obviously trainable and dedicated. A good resume will enhance these things. You don't need to pay huge amounts for this service. Good ones start at just about $100.

2) Don't try to apply for jobs that are drastically above your skillset, especially if you are trying to change careers. Skills in knowing what things to put in each spot on internal forms are tough if not impossible to translate to tech or any other industry. Skills in recognizing where processes can be improved or streamlined translate better. Your resume should highlight and omit the right things. Instead, target positions where you have ~80% of the required skills already and are in the process of learning the other 20%.

3) Consider starting a side business. If you look around there are countless small things that can be done on the side for decent money. Some can even be done with only a smartphone. Others just require a computer. This _could_ end up being more lucrative than a degree for the same amount of investment. The one warning here is don't fall for any "get rich quick" schemes. If it sounds too good to be true, it very likely is. Once you decide to do something, realize that it may take time to build up the income stream. 4-6 months is fast. 9-12 months is more common. If you want to make this about the skills that you are trying to learn then all the better.

[johnnycarlos]

I'm interested in your side gig suggestion (created an HN acct just to ask, time to quit lurking after all these years). I'm just not seeing any things that can be done. It's probably me, but I sure could use someone making some suggestions to help get started. I have the patience for 9-12 months, but I don't have any insights on what to do or how to figure it out. (my skills include many years of linux, perl, python, and java).

[batshit_beaver]

I found this video a few days ago, good overview of the things you could do to make money as a dev: https://youtu.be/dRHsg6hWcNo

Not necessarily a LOT of money, mind, but there are tons of ways of extracting at least some value from engineering skills

[lunarplague]

Do you recommend any specific resume service? I was considering doing this but I get overwhelmed by choice. Should I also pay for my linkedIn profile to be updated?

[fecak]

I'm a resume writer (I actually made the first comment on this post and recommending a resume didn't seem appropriate since I hadn't seen what he has). If you click on my profile you'll see details.