Well, whether we like it or not, self-taught programmers are held to a higher standard. It doesn't help us to further the stereotype that self-taught programme

Well, whether we like it or not, self-taught programmers are held to a higher standard. It doesn't help us to further the stereotype that self-taught programmers are afraid of the basics, haven't attained a general education in computer science on their own, or are less reliable than their peers who have degrees. Not trying to berate the OP. I'm trying to say I wish OP had framed it better.