I don't expect to get a job after dropping out. My parents will let me live with them at least. So I have a good 3-4 years.
I was planning to read a lot of source code, write a lot of code/contribute to open source, and study formal CS on my own. I think after 3-4 years I would have as much programming and formal knowledge as if I had stayed in college, and maybe more.
I'm wondering if the lack of a degree would hold me back significantly.
It doesn't. And remember, you can always go back and finish. Maybe not at the same place, but you can finish somewhere. I would suggest ending the semester though, not dropping out in the middle. You get credit for the current semester this way and you won't have to pay for it again hopefully.
I was planning to read a lot of source code, write a lot of code/contribute to open source, and study formal CS on my own. I think after 3-4 years I would have as much programming and formal knowledge as if I had stayed in college, and maybe more.
I'm wondering if the lack of a degree would hold me back significantly.