These days, one of the best ways folks have of continuing what they did in their guitar-playing youth, or in their CURRENT youth, is to play with friends. It’s always been critical to find good folks to play with, and who can challenge you on to greater heights. I know this was always a big thing for me in my “formative” years, and it helped me develop that ‘band in my head” that enabled me to continue my jamming and creativity even when there were no friends to play with.
It can get a little disconcerting if you are forced to do a lot of playing with folks who just aren’t up to your level, but who may still insist on controlling the musical situation….not much you can do but chalk it up to experience. On the other hand, it’s really good to play with people who actually may be more experienced, and just better than you, because it’s only then when you can really try to “reach” for a higher level for yourself. It also is a good way for you to sort of “check in” on the status of your playing, and see how it is faring against the real “backdrop” of other players.
It’s just a really good idea to do it, and to do it as frequently as possible. It’ll only serve to make you a better, more well-rounded player, and you’ll be getting a tremendous amount of experience that will help you in similar, if not even more “professional” situations in your future. You’ll be amazed at the times you’ll be playing years from now, and the sudden “flashbacks” you’ll be having from your early jamming days with your friends!