We are not disagreeing at all. I agree that if you are extremely lucky or you can prove your brilliance in other ways, then you don't need a degree. But if you

We are not disagreeing at all. I agree that if you are extremely lucky or you can prove your brilliance in other ways, then you don't need a degree. But if you are not in a position to do either of this (which I assume OP is), the easiest way to bump up your chances of getting hired is to get a 4 year degree. As you say, getting hired into google without a degree is an exception -- not the rule. If the OP can somehow sustain himself while getting a 4 year degree, I would advice doing that.