We are all caught between the rock of 'You should get this degree because you are serious about the actual theory of Computer Science' and the hard place of 'th

We are all caught between the rock of 'You should get this degree because you are serious about the actual theory of Computer Science' and the hard place of 'the job this degree unlocks justifies whatever it takes to get what you need done.' I enjoy some CS theory(especially theory of computation!) and other nice things but hate school and will never go back. I got my degree in CS for the monetary benefits, not because I was heading in for an enjoyable academic safari. I will also say, as this person appears to be only a bit older than myself(I would say OP is no older 30) it doesn't shock me at all that they could have learned everything a degree would have taught you eventually just by reading things online. Other than some some algorithms(eg flow, more advanced trees) and some discrete math I can believe you'd hit on most of what a CS degree could offer, if you're willing to find it for yourself that is...