"I spend a lot of time learning this and that and have a small portfolio that can be viewed. But still no joy." -- You should try posting with a non-disposable account then, I agree showing your work is a hard thing but this community is filled with people who try to be helpful to others.

Also if you are interested in all this stuff try this -- [https://www.visualstudio.com/dev-essentials/] you get free 3 months trials for Pluralsight and Linux Academy, you can download and watch some video courses during commute and that might reduce your study time at home a bit.

Disclaimer -- not affiliated with Microsoft or Linux Academy or Pluralsight, just trying to be of some help :)