I am living proof that it is. I stated teaching myself how to program in 2006. I did a lot of freelance work for a number of years. I was laid off in Spring 201

I am living proof that it is. I stated teaching myself how to program in 2006. I did a lot of freelance work for a number of years. I was laid off in Spring 2011. A programming position opened up at a local manufacturing company. I submitted my resume which spoke heavily about my freelance experience. I got a call for a in person interview. During the interview they surprised me with a hand-written programming test. It turns out that I was the only person that actually passed the test out of 15 applicants.