Get the degree. I've dealt with people who failed to get the degree and found it a problem later in life. It's easier now than when you're 40ish and have a fami

Get the degree. I've dealt with people who failed to get the degree and found it a problem later in life. It's easier now than when you're 40ish and have a family. And believe me, it will come back to haunt you at some point when you're older and you find that perfect position and they require a degree. As far as moving out of Columbus, I can't really say that would be necessary, and don't do it without a job lined up. There's a lot of experienced programmers on the street now, and you'll never know if you're going to the wrong market at the wrong time. Finally, Network, Network, Network. The user group suggestion above was a good one.