I've been told that uni is a waste of time.
I think I'd disagree with that. Work experience has taught me waaaay more about how to use specific languages and their features but my degree taught me how to aproach the problem. It's where I got all my designy type stuff from and that's been invaluable to me. A structured aproach tends to be the last thing someone chooses to learn of their own acccord while it's the first thing and decent college/university will teach. Personally I think a blend is ideal, a bit like coffee (but not whisky, definitely not whisky).

That's why when ever I get directions off of Google or MapQuest, or where ever, I also make sure I get a map of the surrounding areas around my planned route
pfft, woos! I bet you read the instructions for flat pack furniture too, don't you, girly man?