Associate in Science? may be elaborate more. Most companies require Bachelors degree min for good pay and position. But you have some exp with Programming Languages which is good. I can recommend area that I know a lil about. and that is database, data warehouse, analytics, machine learning. May be start with

being a data engineer:- this will include, ETL, datawarehouse, SQL server, Oracle, Informatica, Talend etc..

These are keywords in a Data Engineer's Resume. Research more on these.

Python is a powerful language and is on demand ahile. so find a position through consultancy where you can hone this skill. also learn javaskript, API calls, some web technologies-html etc...

Unfortunately you might still have to suffer through Consultancys placing you on random projects which we all went through. but in that course of time you can still emerge as a skilled IT professional.

IT is vast. here are the major segments within it as i know it. I am sure the IT gurus here know far more.

a) admins

b) Testing/QA

c) Data Engineer

d) Network Engineer

e) Business Analyst/BI Analyst/Program Manager/Project Manager

f) Developer - Java...

Based on yur current skill-set c,e, or f might better suit you. but go for c is my reco. it will still be a long ride my friend. Begin with a consultancy that trains you for being a Data Engineer. work with them for about 2 years and then you can command your own salary. Focus on the positive, you dont need sponsorship, thats a blessing. hope this helps. good luck.