[kaplejon]

My experience was similar to yours, though even more basic. I went for a 2-year degree at a community college, and it felt as though every course was a refresher in "This is a variable, and what a variable does. This is syntax, and syntax means…" Etc…

It wasn't until getting into the "real world" that I realized the full value of my data structure courses. Those were the ones I kept returning to when trying to learn and understand new skills on the job. (Sadly, my 2-year degree didn't cover any algorithm learning.)

So, now I have the advantage of a few years of "real world" experience to try and plot a course for how to get formal education on the remaining pieces that seem to actually have direct correlation to a career in computer programming.

Not sure if it's a blessing or a curse for me, but I just have to keep moving forward.