Experience trumps degrees. If you can find someone who sees potential in you that can mentor you, especially at a starting wage, you'll go further.

Yes, sometimes these mentorships do come with needing some form of additional education, but there are also a lot of things you can seek certification for without a degree.

I would say most degrees are a scam that costs more than they're worth, and are dragged down by unrelated discussion and lectures.

It helps to be respectful, enthusiastic and acquire a good work ethic. They don't carry you, but they do a lot of heavy lifting when you're trying to get involved in a job, no matter the age.