You're doing everything right. (And your life is supposed to suck, given your situation.) 1) You picked software development, the right career choice for you.

You're doing everything right. (And your life is supposed to suck, given your situation.) 1) You picked software development, the right career choice for you. 2) You've programmed at home for years, which is also right. 3) You entered college. Very important and correct thing to do. 4) You left college. Very correct thing to do, given that you had to pay lots of money but could not secure a loan in time. 5) You've tried to get work in a field you enjoy and are comfortable with. Very correct thing to do. 6) You quit your work. Very good thing to do given you were not treated like an adult, and underpaid. Very important to recognize this. 7) You started another job, that pays you even less, but you were right to assert yourself and look for another job since the other had everything going against you. You need to realize that it's not the lack of a degree that's hurting you, but your age. If you were five to ten years older, you would be taken more seriously, as well has have better references--degree or not. In the mean time, you may as well finish a C.S. degree at the most affordable college you can find. You were right to investigate a community college, but I would recommend just attending a four year school because it might avoid transfer credit issues; however, since it's July, find and enroll in a community college program that: 1) grants an Associate of Science degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or Engineering; 2) has a charter with a four-year public school you might like, that has guaranteed admissions and full transfer of credits to a C.S. program at that college, allowing you to enter as a Junior. The only thing you are doing wrong is whining (you were correct in this case, but I wouldn't do it from now on. I would also not walk around thinking you've got the best plan for you, ever, being a software developer and possibly working for a high-tech company in four years, either.) Just enjoy the experience. Also, try creating applications for others to use while you're in college. There, you're all set! (The reason I don't recommend whining further is because sh*t happens to everyone. And especially it being two years ago, don't stress over it, and don't even bring it up... You started college, had financial aid screw ups, then continued college--a pretty normal occurrence.) However, DON'T LOSE THE PASSION. I can sense a lot of "if I only had a chance" energy and that (in my opinion) is the best energy one can have towards making something great.