Keep in mind shawn that most people see a college degree as a way to insure their future. They don't realize that this isn't the '80s and college degrees don't go as far as they used to...
My take on the situation is that companies are getting away from requireing degrees for all but specific jobs. They will take "Or equilivant training/experience" As far as being corperate material is concerned, I can't really comment on because I'm the exact same way. The only real big difference is that I have a family to support so I can't take a risky jump unless I have serious amounts in the bank because I have to have insurance and a steady income. My wife and kids come first.
In my opinion, any type of hard decision about your future so early in life is a risk. There are a slight few who determine what they love early in life and work towards that goal and have very happy lives. That's the silent minority. The most of us get the training or degree for a decent career then determine that we hate it, but we have the degree so we might as well use it and make more money doing that then starting entry level in a job we would love.
Personally, I love playing poker. I read about it, watch it on TV, I play it relax, I play it to wake up. I dream about it, I study it and I'm constantly trying to improve. I have also realized that while I love it, I'm not very good. I used to think I was, but I've had to realize that I'm hovering somewhere below average in skill level (there go my dreams of winning the WSOP ME next year
).
I also realize that while I love it, there is no way I could do this for a living. One reason is that I'm not that good, but the other reason is because I have a short attention span. I like tourney play, not ring play. I could never sit at the poker table for 8 hours grinding it out. I have trouble playing consistantly for 3+ hours in MTT freerolls. I realize that I have these weaknesses, and I'm working on them. Right now, Poker is like a decent hobby. Keeps my wife happy because it doesn't cost money and it gives me something to think about while I'm grinding it out at my regular job and things get to the point I want to scream
Follow your dreams when your young. I have no regrets about my past. I spent time in the military, got to see some great places (the navy is great as a travel agent), met a beautiful woman when I needed it and now have a great family. I honestly believe that I followed my dreams and I'm happy for it. If I now have a new dream, I figure that's normal.