[AngeloAnolin]

I'd suggest you go on with your initial plan to build projects of your own. Projects that reflect your passion and at the same time provides you with a way to learn the technologies which you've never used before. This will challenge you a lot. The reason I think you wanted out is because of the notion that government work seems too bureaucratic and limiting. It is as if there is no environment that would cater to the people's drive for innovation and motivation.

As I have said, learn something first by doing something you have the passion outside your comfort zone. Challenge yourself. Once you feel confident that you got the chops for that technology, try to move on to a new zone where you think you could be challenged a lot.

I don't have an idea of your current financial status, but considering today's economy, I think you should weigh your options between leaving your current job right away or sticking with it and doing your side projects on your spare time.

[mode0]

Thanks for the advice. My plan is to stay with my current position at the moment and try to open up avenues on the side. Like you said, the economy isn't the greatest right now.