Already a software engineer, degree worth it?

[ss20ts]

I think it can be worth it for a number of reasons. The first of which, you've already mentioned: that nagging feeling of never having finished a degree. If you're not spending a fortune on a degree, the sense of accomplishment can be totally worth it. Secondly, you're a software developer right now; this is good. Congratulations on your accomplishments so far! But what if something unfortunate happens and you have to change careers for some reason? For instance, once you get "too old" for the local market or you can no longer deal with the stress of deadlines. Having a degree of some kind will open more doors these days than not having a degree.

Not only the possibility of needing a career change, but what happens if you're laid off or your company shuts down? So many CS/IT jobs require a bachelor's degree. Many companies won't even consider someone without the piece of paper. I've seen this happen to my husband and several of his CS/IT co-workers and friends over the years. One woman was offered a managerial position - a job she had been doing for over 1o years - but once she got to the HR part they refused to hire her because she didn't have a bachelor's degree. The offer was withdrawn even though those who interviewed and hired her knew she didn't have a bachelor's degree. Corporate policy wouldn't make an exception. My husband has tried to move into other positions in his company and they won't even let him apply without a bachelor's degree. He was worked for a company they bought and today they wouldn't hire him......he's been there for 9 years and been promoted twice. Makes absolutely no sense but this is reality for some idiotic reason.