>given a "respect violation" because I asked a woman on a date in an email That seems like an extreme response. But I have no idea of the context or the nuance

>given a "respect violation" because I asked a woman on a date in an email That seems like an extreme response. But I have no idea of the context or the nuances. If it is just what you say it is (and you can back it up) then I would hope most software companies wouldn't hold it against you. Lots of demand for programmers with good maths skills in computer graphics, machine learning, data science and any number of other areas. I suggest you create some software that demonstrates your skills. IMHO that would make your more employable than someone with a degree and no project to show.