Yeah... I am in the self-taught boat as well. I went to college right after high school and made the dean's list every semester, the only problem was that I had already started working on the internet doing web design. Problem, you ask? There came a point where I had to choose between remaining a full-time employee, or dropping out of school to continue my career as an internet marketer. I think you can figure out the rest, considering I am here with you now! I was sucked in by the freedom, the expression, the complexity, and the challenge of the internet - it sank it's teeth in and never let go.
Now, I am 5 years into my stint as an internet marketer and I LOVE IT! I have had the privilege of working with fantastic people and learning everything from web development, web design, to video editing, to print design, to SEO and even some PPC. Personally, I don't think there is a better way to learn this stuff than by researching the internet, you get all the latest techniques (there is no way you can update a textbook and keep up with the changes Google makes to it's algorithm, lol!) and you also build relationship with great people. Keep on keepin' on!