Programmer without degree

How do I get work without a degree? Have any of you accomplished this?

Do I have to make a startup?

Alright, I work freelance because I choose to.  Here's a couple of real-life examples that worked for me to secure employment/contracts:

1. Find your local Craigslist, look under /cpg/ for Computer Gigs.  Reply to as many as possible without falling for scams, scummy recruiting companies (basically data mining organizations), or shit wages.  Fuck, forget the last one.  Right now I'm coding in VB for a real estate client.  I got the gig off of CL, and I'm probably at less than $20/hr because I'm putting my name out there to real estate clients.  I'm also getting some good experience, which I will make her post on my LinkedIn profile.   So...

2.  Start a LinkedIn profile.  Yeah, I know, social media is data mining, but this is where employers are.  Just grit your teeth and do it, as there's tons of opportunities on this shit.  You're basically marketing yourself, so make it look good.  Recruiters typically use LinkedIn to scan for new talent.  As someone with an actual skill, you can not appreciate how much the normalfaggots love this shit. 

3. Start a Twitter.  Yeah, I know, social media is data mining, but this is where people post freelance opportunities and new jobs.  Yesterday, I walked into an art studio and asked about a freelance job position that was posted on Twitter.  No job, but she's got my info.  You can also use your Twitter to...

4.  Start your portfolio.  Get a Github and just dump any stupid thing you've ever done that wasn't a blatant copy.  It makes you look like you know how to code.  Program something for the Twitter API and post it (normalfags love Twitter).  Get a website and make that shit look nice (not hard with a Wordpress Theme). 

5. Go to Meetup.com and register for as many meetups as possible.  They're free and you might actually be able to network through it.  Shit, my bi-monthly Wordpress meetup starts by asking if anyone if looking for work or if they need work done.  It also has free pizza and beer, so I can't complain about sitting through an above-average lecture/sales presentation. 

6. Learn web development and forget traditional software programming.  No more C++ and Lisp, you now need to learn HTML/CSS/Javascript/a server-side scripting language.  Shit's easy, and you'll make more than you would being an ENTERPRISE Java codemonkey.  You actually might like it! 

7. Figure out what is trendy.  That's what pays the most.  Right now, people want iPhone/Android apps and responsive designs for their website.  It's bullshit, but I wouldn't turn down $50/hr.

8. Contact as many 'computer' people as possible.  Take them out for lunch/coffee.  Don't suck dick, don't be arrogant, and listen to whatever they say.  People like it when you stroke their ego and will be more willing to help you out.  Ask if they know anyone who needs work done.  Repeat as many times as you need to until you secure employment.

There's more, but I have to finish up the Excel thing.