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.