INMHO, the best thing to do is to make something cool and interesting and share it. Next up is to meet other programmers, e.g. meetups, etc. Another suggestion

INMHO, the best thing to do is to make something cool and interesting and share it. Next up is to meet other programmers, e.g. meetups, etc. Another suggestion: maybe even take a class or two just to see how learning in school is different than learning on your own. It will also expose you to more people with similar interests. I am not a fan of conventional schooling, esp. for programming, but it does have its benefits in terms of socializing with others (profs and students). Your path is not unrealistic, some of the best programmers I know were liberal arts grads and taught themselves on the job.