I mean this respectfully, but have you tried to do some introspection? If you actually have the skills you claim, there is huge money to be made in hiring you

I mean this respectfully, but have you tried to do some introspection? If you actually have the skills you claim, there is huge money to be made in hiring you as a programmer making $40k/year. Your background really should not be such a determining factor: I have clients who have literally never met me and have only the vaguest idea of who I am. It's all about making compelling work and demanding compensation for it. If you think this is impossible, I would happily be that guy and pay you $40/hr (which is under market but a hell of a lot more than $20k a year) to work on client projects.