programming jobs without degree

[GCDEF]

With a degree you're much more likely to have a satisfying career as programmer than without one.

Nobody said anything different. What I said based on 28 years in the business, if I have a need and I have two candidates, one with a degree and no experience, and one with no degree and several years of relevant experience, I'd pick the guy with the experience. I can also see Max's point of view that once you've established yourself, the degree also becomes less important. Starting out a degree will open doors, and in some bigger companies it's a requirement and it certainly isn't going to hurt you.

Personally, I got my first programming job in 1983. I didn't get my bachelor's degree until 1997, so I had a good 14 year run without a degree. I got my BS just as a matter of pride, then went on and got a MS and an MBA just to do it. So I'm speaking as somebody who's had a good career with no degree and well degreed, and no insecurities either way.

Your premise that people without a degree use that as an excuse to justify insecurities is not only rude, it's not accurate.