I wouldn't quit before landing another job. I don't think your "dead-end" job is hopeless as you think. You didn't clarify what the "professional services" en

I wouldn't quit before landing another job. I don't think your "dead-end" job is hopeless as you think. You didn't clarify what the "professional services" entail, but if it is related to IT (as is your troubleshooting skills), then you could look at jobs where your existing skills and experience is valuable and you will able to refresh your CS skills. Maybe a DevOps job which is more Ops than Dev initially. Sometimes the route to the dream job requires a detour.