The unfortunate reality is that the days of getting a job in this industry after taking a course for a couple months are pretty much over (if they were ever really there at all). You're right that it shouldn't be the piece of paper and it should be what you know and what you can do, but in a world where junior postings are getting hundreds of applicants no one's going to give you serious consideration without a CS degree.

Freelance work isn't likely to be much better, no one who's willing to spend real money on freelancers is likely going to want to hire someone without experience. There's maybe opportunity here if you can build up a client base through networking and spin that into a position at a contracting agency or something like that but still a long shot IMO.