Here's advice from another almost 30 years old engineer :). So I might not have more experience, but here is how I think about things, maybe it helps. I think

Here's advice from another almost 30 years old engineer :). So I might not have more experience, but here is how I think about things, maybe it helps. I think the most important question is: What interests you? And I believe the answer should be more general than a specific technology such as AWS or GCP. You said you would like to grow as an engineer. There are typically 2 directions - going more into managerial/leadership roles (e.g. staff engineer) or being more of an individual contributor (no management, only engineering). Good book on this - Radical Candor. It is also totally ok to switch between these roles. About being afraid - what do you have to lose? With engineers being in such a high demand you definitely won't end up jobless. If you are thinking about doing it and are not happy with your current company, I'd say do it and fail as many times as needed until you get where you want to. Another good way to learn and build a portfolio is doing a side project. You can then open-source it, write a blog post on it and sort of become an "expert" on that topic. Regarding your wife and family, probably the best thing IMO would be to talk to them - explain them your position, ask for support and agree with them how it is going to work. When I don't know what to do, what typically helps me is to take action. Any action. Once I start doing things, things start to unravel and become clearer very quickly. Hope this helps!