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I barely finished highschool by US standards, have no college degree, and no prior work experience in my current role. I switched careers less than 2 years ago and now essentially work for a big tech company traveling around the country (long-term contracting stuff). Sure, doesn't pay great, but we live in a cabin in the middle of the woods in bumbfuck nowhere, so our needs are few. The job I am currently in is also quite meaningful to me, in the sense that I am doing something that will create (hopefully) long-lasting and increasing social good.
I got this job because someone was impressed with my anonymous social media presence on a hobbyist site and reached out to me, so that's one data point in support of your no. 4. They assumed I was a professional. Funny how life works sometimes. Also amusing that I have become yet another denizen of The Motte that sort of "works in tech", even for big tech, although in an very different capacity than the rest of you.
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