I believe it's prima donna. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_donna http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_donna Full disclosure: I'm not employed as a programmer

I believe it's prima donna. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_donna http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prima_donna Full disclosure: I'm not employed as a programmer, but I do work a technical job in information security. I've gone through the technical interview, so I feel like I am somewhat qualified to comment. I see that you keep commenting "I can code." Do you have an impressive portfolio of work on your GitHub? Have you contributed to open source projects? You say you have an Anthropology degree. You don't have a formal education in computer science, and you don't have professional programming experience. If you haven't contributed to open source projects, how can a potential employer distinguish you from someone who just picked up HTML for Dummies and wants to write Ruby on Rails apps? It's a tough economy, but there are many jobs--even junior positions--out there. Craigslist or elance jobs are a great way to build your portfolio. Drive means a lot. Writing a personalized cover letter to each potential employer with your resume AND PORTFOLIO is a great way to move further in each opportunity. Express interest. I usually dislike interviewing people because I love the way my team works already. If you're working on a team that really gets along, bringing in a new, inexperienced hand is a cut out of their potential salary and a hit to their working order. So you need to show that you are driven, bright and friendly, just like any employer worth working for will already be. I know my thoughts might have been a little bit scattered, but seriously: write code, write personalized and interested cover letter with your resume hilighting your technical strengths and good luck. The jobs are out there! edit: One last thing. Networking with people you already know is great. I know you said this is a throwaway account, but keep an ear out for HN jobs near you. I'm sure that if you're coding, you probably hang out somewhere on the Internet--whether it's forums or IRC, if you know people working in the industry well you might ask them if they know of open positions in your area. A letter of recommendation from someone in the industry who knows your work well can be very helpful in securing an interview.