If leaving Ohio is an option, get yourself out of there and into a major center. Though Columbus is a large place, you won't have nearly as many options as you would in say... Silicon Valley, Boston or New York.
Don't let past experience set your future expectations in terms of being hired. People do hire based on merit, so be persistent.
Lean towards smaller companies without bulky HR depts. HR people are generally looking for degrees, because they do not have any other way of reliably measuring the value of a programmer. With smaller companies, your resume has a better chance of winding up on the desk of someone who knows the difference between C# and C++ or Java and JavaScript.
Be persistent. There is work out there for talented people, regardless of their degree (or lack thereof)
The problem with moving is the cost! It's can take a lot of money to move, especially to SV, Boston, or NYC. Plus, as an out-of-state resident (state) colleges will be too expensive.
However, UMass Boston has a pretty good CS programme at a cost a lot less than the big local private schools.
Don't let past experience set your future expectations in terms of being hired. People do hire based on merit, so be persistent.
Lean towards smaller companies without bulky HR depts. HR people are generally looking for degrees, because they do not have any other way of reliably measuring the value of a programmer. With smaller companies, your resume has a better chance of winding up on the desk of someone who knows the difference between C# and C++ or Java and JavaScript.
Be persistent. There is work out there for talented people, regardless of their degree (or lack thereof)