A couple of thoughts. One, there's a ton of work that doesn't need databases, or operating system knowledge. It helps, but its not essential. Android developers are hot hot hot right now, and its not a huge system to learn (I'm a mobile dev manager).
As mentioned before me, you can learn a lot on the job. One of the best dev's I know never finished college either.
I am always looking up the proper syntax of commands (find -exec anyone?) It just takes repetition and the constant thought that "maybe there's a command that does this better".
Finally, put down the math books. Put down the compiler books. Data structures and algorithms, sure, but those others. Bah! Now, if you want a supplementary book that helps a ton, pick up a patterns book, preferably the "Gang of Four" book (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_Patterns). It helped me to look at problems in a bit more of a formal sense, and it allows me to say "Oh this is such and such a pattern" and other devs get it immediately.
Don't get discouraged. You may just need a new job where you are mentored if you feel like your skills and experience is meaningless. Your desire to learn and your passion for your chosen career make you a fertile ground for training.
"Finally, put down the math books. Put down the compiler books. Data structures and algorithms, sure, but those others. Bah!"
This is seriously bad advice. The converse is not necessarily good advice but when the OP explicitly wants to be good at CS, "put down the compiler books and read the GOF Design Patterns book" is terrible advice. The GOF DP book is barely one step above Cargo Cult sw,something the OP is trying to flee. There is a wide range of advice on this thread but this must be the worst(imo, ymmv etc).
plinkplonk - I respect your opinion, so asking this question in earnest. Mind pointing to the best advice in the thread? I could look at the most up-voted answer, but group think is not always right.
As mentioned before me, you can learn a lot on the job. One of the best dev's I know never finished college either.
I am always looking up the proper syntax of commands (find -exec anyone?) It just takes repetition and the constant thought that "maybe there's a command that does this better".
Finally, put down the math books. Put down the compiler books. Data structures and algorithms, sure, but those others. Bah! Now, if you want a supplementary book that helps a ton, pick up a patterns book, preferably the "Gang of Four" book (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Design_Patterns). It helped me to look at problems in a bit more of a formal sense, and it allows me to say "Oh this is such and such a pattern" and other devs get it immediately.
Don't get discouraged. You may just need a new job where you are mentored if you feel like your skills and experience is meaningless. Your desire to learn and your passion for your chosen career make you a fertile ground for training.
Good Luck!