My son and I taught ourselves to fly about 15 years ago. We did not have the firebird experience. I only had control line experience 25 years prior, so I understood glow engines. I knew nothing about RC at the time, and ther were no "helpful" forums to discourage us. The first flight of the Sig Kadet lasted may be all of 15 seconds, the the damage was easily fixed. We flew from a remote pasture, a long way from any neighbors, and basically put only ourselves and the aircraft at risk.
Subsequent flights were progressively longer, the less frequent damage was unfortunately more extensive, but we not only learned how to fly, but to rekit and build as well.
I suspect the Aerobird experience will serve you well. If you can fly out and back again, you have the basics. There will be a steep learning curve, but if you accept that, are willing to repair damage, do not frustrate easily, and are not putting others at risk, do not let the "YOU CAN'T DO THAT" crowd discourage you.
Many people enjoy clubs, many people need instruction, instructors, rules, order, and some thrive on being told what to do.
It's a good thing nobody convince Henry FOrd that he had to work on a production line before he tried to start one himself.
Enjoy, and please report back when you are doing the basic aerobatics and consistently landing well.