[greaterweb]

Realize that whatever path you take, if you are looking for a future/career and web development you need to be actively developing. Use your free time to build a bullet proof portfolio showcasing your talent. If you have a strong portfolio, the work will find you with or without that piece of paper.

I see red flags though in reading that you have applied to 50 companies and only received 4 responses. Your approach in contacting these companies is flawed or the representation of your skillset and capabilities is weak/inaccurate.

Also, put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. A 20 year old is telling you they have 4-5 years experience. It takes a fairly unique 15-16 year old to be building something of use at that age. Best case scenario (in the mind of the hiring manager) is you have may have 1-2 years of real working experience that would be of value to the role they are tying to fill. And these days, who doesn't?

Take a good hard look at where you motivation lies and pursue a path that will convince prospective employers that you have what it takes contribute at a high level. Production guys are a dime a dozen, what sets you apart?