I loved auto mechanics since I was in high school and spent quite a bit of hobbyist time tinkering until I was in my mid/late twenties. At that time I became a co-owner in a start-up European auto repair biz. It only took 2.5 years to completely suck the fun and intrigue out of what used to be a passion. It was almost another decade before I picked up that passion again. I also used to be passionate about fishing, but a six year career in commercial fishing completely wiped that out too.

Think long and hard about turning a hobby into a full-time profession, and be aware that an education prepares you for a wider variety of career paths, no doubt about it. Go for the education, while you can.

YMMV