Tape Op gets a certain kind of letter frequently, and they all basically say the same thing: "I'm young. I really like recording. Where do I go from here?" Part of me can empathize with and understand the situation, yet another part of me cannot. In most cases the writer's experience level, with clients and with equipment, is minimal. Yet I don't see them pushing themselves to go even further.
You have a few pieces of outboard gear? Then borrow and try out more. Do short term gear trades with friends. You don't have friends that have recording gear? Then find new friends. You've learned Pro Tools? Then learn Logic Pro... and then Reason, Live, Record, Studio One, Cakewalk, Cubase, Reaper, Tracktion, Digital Performer, Audacity, SAW, Nuendo and Sound Forge. There are no recording studios within 100 miles of where you live? Then move somewhere else and hit the pavement. And believe me, there are always people out there to record.