[alinajaf]

> Is it, in your opinion, possible to have decent software development skills without years of experience under your belt? Do you meet many such people?

This is going to sound mean, but have you considered doing entry-level programming jobs that aren't so great to get that experience? Digital agencies that don't know any better are always looking for people to build CRUD websites, and it's where a lot of other experienced developers I know cut their teeth.

I don't know about the average programmer on HN, but most of my ability to deliver value to clients comes from the battle-scars and horror stories of working at not-so-great jobs, along with learning from the few exceptionally bright people I happened to be working alongside. You can't pick that up at university, via online tutorials or even dare I say it, by reading HN.

[thaumasiotes]

Yes, of course I've considered that. Where would I apply? I've never tried to present myself as anything other than entry-level.