Do you need a college degree? Great question. My thoughts:
You can be an entrepreneur. You will NOT need a degree.
In running your own consulting company for small businesses,
you can provide the following services (what you don't yet know--outsource
for cheap on Fivver.com or via the classifieds on WarriorForum.com or other
similar places):
SEO (organic search engine optimization -- online marketing)
SEM (search engine marketing via paying for advertising)
Getting the business listed on GooglePlaces and free directories
Creating a Facebook fan page
Getting followers on Facebook or Twitter
Adding content to web sites
Creating a mobile site
Creating a web site or improving existing site
Creating a logo and header graphics
Email marketing
Reputation management (monitor comments--get bad deleted)
Video creation
List building
Creating a system for inventory mgt or billing
Creating a data entry form that ties into their database
Create reports
Create a simple app
etc.
You can get a job in the Corporate world. You will need a degree.
Degree? A test you can do right now:
Go to dice.com, click on Advanced Search, plug in
within 50 miles of your zip code for a main search, and for the keyword part:
"any" (instead of "all") of the following: php, javascript, html, css
(plus whatever else you know). Look at the "job requirements" of each result to
determine how often a college degree is needed.
If you do decide to opt for a 4-year degree, take required classes at a
community college--it is much cheaper--and then transfer after getting
a two year AA degree. Work as an intern while attending college to get
experience.
Finally, you can teach yourself via killersites.com (and other resources such as books)
as a full time (non-paying) job, really working at it and thoroughly learning,
and when you think you can truly offer value to a company, try to get a job.
If you can't get hired because you don't have experience, see if putting together a
portfolio helps.
If you still can't get a job, work for free as an intern or volunteer.
Some people advise "getting your foot in the door" by doing other stuff, but I think this
can backfire by diminishing your value. Besides, how office does the help desk person get
promoted to web developer? Probably not often. (Although, if the company offers free training or
college, that's another story.)
Finally, if all else fails, there is place online where you can order a fake previous
job employment reference along with a recommendation from your "manager". (Sometimes,
you have to do what you have to do to survive. If you haven't been there, don't condemn it.)
(Note: Do not fake education. Do not say you can do things you can't (unless it is something
super simple, like Excel, that you can learn between your interview and hire date.)
Stefan, if you can provide the means for us to create a portfolio, that would be awesome!
Even just guidelines on how to go about creating one, and what would be good to put in it, would
be helpful.