>I second questions about whether you were looking for another job I pick up consulting work where I can but fact of the matter is, most companies want degrees

>I second questions about whether you were looking for another job I pick up consulting work where I can but fact of the matter is, most companies want degrees. I don't have one. I also have a bankruptcy which automatically makes me persona non grata for many companies such as anything remotely dealing with finances or customer financial information, anything requiring a security clearance, etc. "he filed bankruptcy, he might try and steal customer money" "he filed bankruptcy, he's more susceptible to recruiting attempts for potential espionage" that sort of thing. About the only thing worse for employment thank a bankruptcy is a criminal conviction, felons truly have it the worst. Make a criminal mistake and you have a giant scarlet letter, manage your finances poorly in your youth and you automatically lose the ability to be hired for some industries. I applied to a company doing the same thing I do now, they flat out rejected me for not having a degree citing they wanted someone with a four year degree, despite the fact I've been doing the work twice as long as their company has existed. As I said in another reply, sure I could go get a degree but doing a degree while working full time, that's probably going to be 6 years for a 4 year degree and be 20-60k$ of debt, so I'll be 40-ish gunning for entry-level work against 20-22 year old applicants. Ageism is unfortunately very much a thing in non-tech companies and is absolutely an issue with startup culture, VCs simply don't like anyone in their 30's or higher and many VCs, co-founder of YC Paul Graham included, are on the record with opinions that they prefer younger individuals. >programming job. Have you tried? If not, what prevents you? I used to program for MUDs as a teen, I hated it (mind you, c++ isn't exactly an easy language). I hated it for recreation and I'd rather stand on my head than go into the field. Why trade one field I hate for another field I hate (and would likely hate even more, that I'd probably also be mediocre at at best) that pays more? So people will say "do what you love" yeah well, I've been working since I was about 12 (legally, 3 cents a paper delivered) and full time since turning 18. I haven't had time to find out 'what I love'. If sucks but hey it is what it is.