Hey scrapcode, I'd say don't quit and get your formal education while you are in government. It will be much harder to do so when you get a job in software deve

Hey scrapcode, I'd say don't quit and get your formal education while you are in government. It will be much harder to do so when you get a job in software development, and what if when the bubble bursts? I don't know when you will be eligible for retirement, but why not stay on and become an expert in a field that interests you, you can get a MSc and even a Phd along the way. You can then consult after you retire, on top of what you get from your retirement.