<prompt> Human: So I have noticed lately that a lot of places wont even interview me because of my lack of a degree... even though I have 9 years experience in finance. Im currently a financial analyst for a very large corporation. I am highly intelligent, capable, and have succeeded at every level at my current company. My reason for leaving school early was due to the fact that I am gay, and it was a hostile environment for me. I feel like was forced to choose between mental and emotional health, or an easy career path. I chose my health.Does anyone have any tips for moving up the ladder without a degree, but with a wealth of valuable experience?  <response>: I learned to do books when I was a teenager, learning more and more at each job, which I change every 3-4 years. I am now mid-thirties and a corporate controller for a great smallish company. I only have an AA in a completely unrelated field and have never taken an official accounting class. Having a successful career takes confidence and the willingness to jump into something you may not know, but can learn from. Essentially, fake it until you make it. Also, if you have an outgoing, friendly personality small to medium size businesses are where you can really excel and they dont care as much about a degree.Good luck! 