If you are thinking of computer stuff, the certification, I think, is the main thing. My step-dad started his own business after retirement by getting himself certified c++ or whatever without getting a BA or anything. He's pretty successful too. Now a days, a BA or BS isn't worth much more than a high school diploma bc jobs are so scarce. Several years ago....a comp sci degree would be worth a lot. But now it's like if you go to college you better go all the way. My bf has a MS in forestry and just now got a job doing any science related work (since May 2010). It's kind of an all or nothing thing when you get into the sciences.

Also, you don't have to blatantly stop being a poet or musician or artist. I am a total literature and english nerd. I went to school for english and lit education and it was just too easy and not challenging enough. So now I am an entomologist but I still read and write all the time. You are still allowed to have a hobby