You're completely spot on. I talked to a couple people in difference industries, and they're all receiving tonnes of resumes from big name companies with degree

You're completely spot on. I talked to a couple people in difference industries, and they're all receiving tonnes of resumes from big name companies with degrees. Everyone's getting laid off here.... The portfolio idea sounds good. I do have a small set of hobby programming projects that aren't marketable, but at least I will have something to show in lieu of a degree.