I'd advise you to take the long view. I'm familiar with the culture you describe. As I'm sure you're aware opportunities are not distributed linearly. However

I'd advise you to take the long view. I'm familiar with the culture you describe. As I'm sure you're aware opportunities are not distributed linearly. However most of those opportunities are better exploited with the gradual accumulation of skills and domain knowledge. I echo coreyp's advice: get a part time job. As long as you can pay for food and shelter the rest of the hours in a day are yours.