Advice for what to do

[weems]

Basically the TLDR is I ran out of money and need to earn $5k USD to finish my degree. Been working on adding things to my github (http://github.com/weems) and website [ (http://weems.de). I am still trying to expand my skillset but largely I am Java, Python, Ruby, HTML, JS. Like so many others I am having trouble breaking into even the most entry level positions that require 2-5+ Years Experience at Minimum. Not a stupid sob story, I know I am not alone. Just trying to find the best way forward.

[jesusmichael]

What do you mean by "trouble"? are you getting interviews? How many jobs are you applying for?

Consider working somewhere else to make $$. I drove a cab for a while to make ends meet. Its nice to work in your chosen field... but sometimes its impossible.

Keep plugging... Drop ruby focus on java... more $$

[weems]

Well in a Interview I was told it was clear I had ability but he couldn't take a risk on someone who hadn't finished.. :/

[jesusmichael]

then he's a dope...

So here is my challenge to you... You have to get out and talk to people who own businesses. See if you can go to networking functions. Let them know you're a SW developer, ENTRY LEVEL... you're looking for work in your field.

Call Real Estate agents (they make deals, so they'll be open to it) trade a new website (nothing too fancy) for a referral and a using their site a part of your portfolio...

If you don't any experience make some... UberX is hiring... code, drive, code... I'd love to take advantage of you and hire you for a project I'm doing... but it won't get you to your $5K goal... (i'm really cheap)

[weems]

well yeah I want to get to the eventual goal of work. But the thing is everyone wants to see the Bachelors as a kind of first line test. so I do want to work but at some point I do want to finish, I mean I already got this close to the finishing line. at this point its getting enough to go back for about a year of school. but some of it would be repeating courses. so its not exactly the most ideal thing to do, but it's where I am. let me know your email and I'll shoot you a message.

[eldude]

Depends on how aggressive you are and what personal expenses you have. If you're smart most startups in the Valley won't care if you have a degree if you're willing to work hard and are effectively a new college grad. (Good experience for low pay is startup compensation default) Happy to help if I can (contact in profile). I never finished my degree. Didn't make a lick of difference.

[psyklic]

Try talking to your university -- sometimes they have small loan options or may be able to qualify you for a grant, especially if you are very close to graduating.

[weems]

well I have FASFA Loans already so I am not sure that they will go for that. I asked about payment plans and they said that I can't continue until the amount is paid in full. and full disclosure I withdrew before I had too much to owe. So I am needing to transfer which I cant do until I pay off what I owe to the university directly. And thats not including Sallie Mae (~30k). It's a long story, to be sure.