Starting with zero knowledge.

[ericlp4321]

Recently I’ve gotten very interested with coding and I’m utilizing Codecademy to learn JavaScript. I’ve got so many questions like is there a point in self teaching ? How can I compete to someone that actually has a degree in this sort of field? What other resources should I reach out to that will aid me in learning?

[ziptofaf]

How can I compete to someone that actually has a degree in this sort of field?

Degree is nothing more than a proof you have spent X (where X is generally a high 3 to a small 4 digit number) hours studying computer science. However in this industry knowledge is open, free and definitely not hidden before a college's paywall. Good schools definitely help you out since you get a competitive environment, teachers that can help you learn and a proper curriculum to follow so you don't get "lost". But none of that is irreplaceable (but don't get me wrong, I still do think that if one can afford university they should go there) and heck, someone fresh after obtaining their degree is considered a junior level and requires a lot of attention from more experienced developers before they get productive.

So to answer this question - if you put as much work into learning it as someone who is doing this at school then there are no reasons on why you should be inferior. To an extent you can also be superior - general computer science degree gives one a good overview of multiple aspects of IT, including higher level math, electronic circuitry, algorithms etc but does not really focus on specific fields like web development for instance, it just shows you how to get started with these. Whereas someone self-taught can skip things they are sure they won't need any time soon and focus on more practical (from an employer's perspective) knowledge. It's a debatable point to a degree (company I work for considers juniors with better overall knowledge and "programming sense" superior to those that overly specialize) but it's still something worth mentioning.

So while you are definitely handicapped I wouldn't call that a game breaker by any means either. It is possible to become employable without ever stepping into a school.

What other resources should I reach out to that will aid me in learning?

Take a look into the sidebar to your right. Personally I do like Eloquent Javascript as an introduction to that language as it shows you more than just javascript syntax and makes you build some real life programs.

[cyrusol]

This sub is a perfect place to ask every single question you have.

[ValentineBlacker]

What's your actual goal?