[rmcastil]

It sounds like you're already ahead of the curve with your programming experience. Don't fall into the trap thinking that is all you'll need for a stable career for the rest of your life.

One issue that you alluded to, is that you've been somewhat taken advantage of (underpaid) for whatever reason (possibly youth and inexperience). This will continue to happen until you focus on the skills necessary to demand what you are worth (ie - strong verbal/written communication skills, research, negotiating, teamwork, etc). These are the kind of skills you learn indirectly in college.

Do you need college for all these things? Of course not. You can start a blog today and start working on your writing ability. Specifically focusing on teaching and conveying your ideas in a digestible way.

The cold hard truth of the working world is NO ONE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ADVANCEMENT BUT YOURSELF. Its true that there are some companies that will help you along but they are only training you so that they can get the most out of their investment in you.