novask

I want to switch away from regular business software development to a chip or hardware company (HP, Intel, AMD are all nearby). I'm self-taught as a dev, but I'm considering a degree that would open doors to these types of positions. The degree I'm considering is Computer Engineering, which is advertised as being a middle layer between EE and CS degrees. I wanted to know if self-teaching is an option before I take on the student loan debt.

Are academic credentials/internships required for these kinds of jobs?

I've had 7 development jobs and I haven't enjoyed any of them. I'm not that great at it and I can't handle the stress any more.

I need an exit plan but I have no idea where to go. I want a job that's about half as technically demanding as fullstack-wear-every-hat jobs at $70k-80k.

Could I get some ideas?