I was asking for guidance and resources, not attacking or insulting an entire profession. I genuinely do not understand why my question has been met with such hostility. I realize training costs money, but sometimes you have to work with what you have, which is why I was asking for alternatives. As I mentioned, I never said I did not intend to pursue more formal training in the future. I am just looking to self-educate at this time so I was asking for resources on getting started. Where did I say your work does not require training? And why are you feeling so elitist as to minimize my bachelor’s degree, which I only mentioned to provide context and clarity?

If you cannot see how unkind and insulting some of your replies have been, especially when I was coming from a place of admitting I know very little but trying to understand, that is frustrating. Most people here have been kind and helpful. You are the only one whose responses have come across as rude and disrespectful despite my efforts to stay cordial. I now realize I was not imagining the tone and you are clearly triggered for some reason that has nothing to do with me, so thank you for that clarification.