Specific Advice (Score 1)

My thoughts (having just come from a very similar place)... Write a narrative around the darn degree, and put it out there from the beginning. "Two years into from my bachelor's degree in Computer Science, life took me sideways. I've never managed to find the right combination of time and money to go back and check that box, but I've never stopped learning new, valuable skills like A, B, and C." Find a marketing or creative person to help you write your "story". Then practice it over and over until it rolls out of you automatically. If a company is gonna be hard over on the degree requirement, get to the "no" right away and move on to companies that are more flexible. When I was applying for jobs, I would write a point-by-point response to the job requirement list in my cover letter . "I'm sure you're inundated with applicants. Let me save us both some time and prequalify myself. You asked for blank/blank/blank, I have blank/blank/blank." Whenever I could, I put the degree thing first, "You've asked for a 4-yr degree. If this is a firm requirement, then I thank you for your time. If instead, you're looking for someone who brings broad real-world experience and a thirst for learning, let me tell you how I meet the rest of your requirements." If you're qualified for the job and this doesn't get them over the hurdle, nothing will and you probably don't want to work there anyway. Know it's a numbers game. In the current environment, employers can hold out for the perfect candidate. Apply for everything which might be a fit, as soon after it's posted as possible. If you're not sure, apply anyway (except at key companies where the perfect job for you might crop up in the next few months). My current job (which I love!) came from a posting that I almost didn't apply for. The rejections are hard, and the "black hole" non-responses are maybe even harder. That's a sign of the times, not your skill. If you're not into the system in the first few days, you're probably out of luck because the hiring managers have stopped looking. Yes, network as much as possible. There are many of us who were told, "Put your head down, do a good job, don't waste your employer's money socializing, and everything will work out just fine." Mom and Dad, bless their well-meaning souls were WRONG. So if you find yourself without a network of sufficient quality, start working on it as uncomfortable as that might be. Linked In. Meetups (meetup.com). Industry events. Put it out to your friends that you need a job. This last was the absolute hardest for me. It sounds sappy, but someone told me, "You have to put it out to the Universe." When I, with maximum discomfort, did that I found that my friends and colleagues absolutely rallied to my support. And though I ended up taking a job from a complete stranger, it helped just knowing I had a better network than I had previously thought. Do this without looking or feeling "broken". "I was hoping to start a consulting business, but it's not evolving fast enough, and now I really need to focus on getting the bills paid. If you hear of anything that fits me, let me know!" This way you're not "begging" your friend/acquaintance for a job, but simply telling them your need. Make it an out-of-body experience. There are many, many highly qualified people out of work. It's very easy to start to doubt everything you think you know about yourself. Whatever inspires you and makes you feel the most empowered... drink it up. Especially before an interview. Make yourself as young as possible. Agism is wrong, but real. This isn't just about your hair color. Self-teach yourself a bit about social networking, internet marketing, mobile apps... whatever is relevant to your industry. Even catching up on pop culture -- television, music -- makes a difference in my opinion. Hang tough! I don't know you from Adam, but I wish you good luck and will be sending positive vibes in your direction! !!!2u