I suggest: -get certifications in your area of focus (I personally am looking at AWS ones); tons of resources for certification study at your own pace -stay wo

I suggest: -get certifications in your area of focus (I personally am looking at AWS ones); tons of resources for certification study at your own pace -stay working but study at night; to avoid debit and continue to increase years of experience -Once you have the certs, then eval if you really want the degree. -Some companies offer tuition reimbursement; taking some night classes towards a degree shows employers motivation -maybe change jobs every 3-5 years to stay fresh or at least interview periodically other companies Beware of burnout, you may find that the certifications gives you enough mobility. Years of experience plus certification should get you in the door to most jobs. You may hit your 40s and realize you should have spent more time with loved ones.