The other thing that isn't the same is the external validation- or failure. Most people who are learning on their own don't have the same hard deadlines and pr

The other thing that isn't the same is the external validation- or failure. Most people who are learning on their own don't have the same hard deadlines and pressure to perform at a particular level. That pressure pushed me to work harder than I ever would have on my own; and that's the case for almost everyone, even autodidacts.