You should probably start cranking out code, either via personal projects, or work-related projects. > How can I start transitioning away from school so that I

You should probably start cranking out code, either via personal projects, or work-related projects. > How can I start transitioning away from school so that I can start working full time as a developer as soon as possible? These people either 1) get internships with a decent salary while in school, and just dropout or 2) build their own side project into something with cashflow, then dropout > I'm okay with not being a ninja rockstar 10x programmer, I just want to be "average" Frankly, you'll have to change this mindset if you want either #1 or #2 (which I mentioned above). The folks who either dropout due to amazing internships, or because their side gig has taken off are usually pretty good programmers. Not "balls-to-the-all amazing", but definitely better than average My suggestion: Stay in school. Learn the fundamentals (e.g., C), but learn how to sling code around at the same time (e.g., React, Python, etc). You'll get your shot in due time.