I feel your pain. I was self taught as a teen and learned the major chords and toughened my fingers quite well, then I began to work on my career and let the guitar slip away. I am retired now and started playing again and for the first time take real lessons. Toughening the fingers was a big challenge but I fought through it. I am a bit older so I lean towards music of the late 60's and 70's however I think they all have their challenges. Keep picking and strumming!! There is nothing better than to hear that guitar sing out what you are trying to play!!