Throwaway account. Although I studied CS and did most of the coursework, I do not have a formal degree. I do have public profiles, top ranked on a popular pro

Throwaway account. Although I studied CS and did most of the coursework, I do not have a formal degree. I do have public profiles, top ranked on a popular programming site, dozen open source projects and I wrote a book. In short: I had all the time in the world for a degree, if it weren't for all the other activities I am involved in. In the world today, you can contribute to a project easily and get hired. Building a portfolio has never been easier. In fact, my current job came to be because of a small tool, that I put online. And I do have hundreds of ideas for portfolio (and fun) projects, which I would be sure would get me hired at places. If I only had a few weeks or month off to get them off the ground. In short: Find some technology or problem you are interested in and try to find a way to contribute in a friendly, and recognizable way.