College isn't always necessary, and it's certainly not cheap. If you want to be a fireman then be a fireman. And remember, you can always go back to school. As long as you don't have a family, going back to school shouldn't be much of a problem.

I'm having a pretty similar problem, I went straight into design even before highschool ended. Everyone wanted me to go to college, but it just wasn't for me. I've got plenty of time, and I'm in no hurry to have a family now or ever really... Besides the government will give you hefty grants if you go to school after 25.