I've been programming for 4 years now, I started when I was 15 and have kept it through, 9 months ago I got my first job in the industry, building PHP web applications for small businesses, 2 months ago, I left that job for a larger agency.
Since I began programming I have taught myself PHP (and everything which comes along with that, MySql, Javascript (&JQuery), CSS, HTML), x86 asm, Scheme and have a good grasp of most aspects of computer science.
I have recently been feeling like my career is reaching it's peak even at this early stage, I feel as though there is quite a low ceiling for how far I could possibly take it in my current situation, I dream of silicone valley and the lifestyle which comes as a perk along with that, but those companies only seem to hire people with degrees.
My new job pays me a remarkable sum for someone of my age with no formal qualifications, but it is only a fraction of what my peers in the industry are earning.
My question is this, should I go to university or would I be better applying myself to the current state of my career and trying to improve it and ignoring my doubts?
Thanks for all the replies, I expected this to disappear as white noise & didn't expect to hit the front page, I will try to reply to everyone I can
P.S. To alleviate some confusion, this would be for the summer of next year, I'm not talking about leaving my job this very minute
Since I began programming I have taught myself PHP (and everything which comes along with that, MySql, Javascript (&JQuery), CSS, HTML), x86 asm, Scheme and have a good grasp of most aspects of computer science.
I have recently been feeling like my career is reaching it's peak even at this early stage, I feel as though there is quite a low ceiling for how far I could possibly take it in my current situation, I dream of silicone valley and the lifestyle which comes as a perk along with that, but those companies only seem to hire people with degrees.
My new job pays me a remarkable sum for someone of my age with no formal qualifications, but it is only a fraction of what my peers in the industry are earning.
My question is this, should I go to university or would I be better applying myself to the current state of my career and trying to improve it and ignoring my doubts?
Thanks for all the replies, I expected this to disappear as white noise & didn't expect to hit the front page, I will try to reply to everyone I can
P.S. To alleviate some confusion, this would be for the summer of next year, I'm not talking about leaving my job this very minute