Leander, I know EXACTLY how you feel: I also tend to be very creative and while I really like my job, I know I could be doing alot more with my talents. What I've is this: I'm taking courses at my university by Distance Ed; mostly in 'creative writing'. I know I have a givf for story-writing and so FINALLY, after all these years I'm going to do something about it. I look at alot of the trashy movies that Hollywood produces and I know I could do better, so I thought "what the hell, I'm doing it!"
I also look at that woman who wrote all the Harry Potter books; I'm not sure if she went to college, but I had heard that she was dirt poor when she wrote them. It took her 5 years I think to write the first one, but she obviously has a talent for writing and look at her! She's worth millions!
While going to school for years might seem like a drag, try to imagine how much you'll regret it 30 years down the road..............(but of course, Armageddon will be here, so geeze, what AM I saying??!!!)
Good luck!