Clueless about the next step. What should I do to follow my dream career?

Hi all,

Before I start going into more detail about my situation, I'd like to make a note about how I've always had passion and interest for technology, computers and things as like that. I am self taught from a very early age, I'd say around 8 is when I started tinkering with hardware and learning about software but at this point in time, it's all still self taught knowledge and a LOT of research over the years. No qualifications or education related to IT as such.

A few years ago, I needed a job to make some money so I became a kitchen porter. Just doing the dishes and that. Was easy to start with, but they liked me so much, they trained me into a chef which eventually led to becoming a team leader very quickly. Throughout the years that followed, I used to do various IT jobs for people I worked with, or even for the business! Such as smartphone repairs, computer builds, laptop repairs, CCTV installations and so on. I used to get people tell me things like "Why are you here? Why are you even a chef? You could be doing so much better doing these computer things!"

I didn't think much of it at the time, although I agreed, I didn't know how to make that change.

Eventually I got another job as a storeman for a big manufacturing company. I didn't exactly like the job but the pay was better, the hours were better. Again over time, I had people say the same thing. Why are you here. You could be doing so much better. Got me thinking more about it but again, not sure how to make that change.

Got a new job about 6 months ago, it's a warehouse job but it's a family business for Karting components and the job is incredible, the team is hard working and very friendly, the environment is brilliant and I love it, but my contract is for a picker and packer. No one wants to pick and pack for the rest of their lives. They know what I can do, so they asked me to build and install computers on the new warehouse they've got so they can expand the business. I've done it and it's all gone well. Now, I saw it as an opportunity to show my experience and expertise but I don't know if this is ever going to lead to something better or if I'm just going to be used every now and then when they need it. And you've guessed it, I've also had people in this job say to me: "You could be doing so much better. You're being wasted here", etc.

Now, I don't want to come across as the know it all kind of guy. It sometimes makes me think that these people don't know or understand the IT world enough to judge whether I'm actually good or not. But then I start doubting myself and wondering if I'm actually good. I could actually be really good and I am genuinely being wasted but I find myself not believing in myself that much.

I don't know what to do, where to go, how to proceed... But I'd love to find an IT career that fits my profile in which I can be successful. I don't mind these jobs I've been doing, but I don't want to lose any more time of my life, if I do actually have potential.

Thank you for reading, I'll be sitting on this post as often as I can to hopefully absorb as much advice as I can from you fellow Redditors.