[chrisgoodrich]

First of all, you have a bright future. Don't sell yourself short or give up. Failure is the key to success.

Contrary to what many commenters have indicated, don't get a job if you can avoid it. If you can get by without a job, put every last waking moment into your passion.

1) If you want to be a programmer, build something innovative and cool and tell the world about it. If nobody cares, try something else. Build a portfolio of things you've done that compensates for not having a degree.

2) Network. Meet people, talk to people and get involved. Help others and others will help on your projects. Network locally as well as with others in areas you want to live.

If you pour everything into your passion, you'll get better at what you do and everything will fall into place.