Echoing timothy-quinn, a handshake means nothing. Given that better pay is not a high priority, then you might consider holding out in your current position fo

Echoing timothy-quinn, a handshake means nothing. Given that better pay is not a high priority, then you might consider holding out in your current position for a development position elsewhere. Absolutely don't wait 5 years to change your career if you can afford otherwise. Choice 2 could be a good option if you have savings to last for a few months. Do you enjoy your bachelor CS curriculum? If so, can you go full-time on that? If you've got time to plan ahead for Choice 2 and are US-based or able to travel to the US, then places like 42 school (Fremont, CA) or the recurse center (NYC) can be good for independent study with enthusiastic peers.