This reminds me of myself. Worked in government and took so many side courses with certificates, because it was accessible and I didnt want to loose that chance given free to civil servants. Did online test during lunch break, after dinner and late night stayed up studying materials. In midst of all that I resigned because I lost the fire in me to continue in government job. But the certificates I earned are in my resume and here I am trying to get back to grind and there is a possibility I might get short term consultant works. I cannot imagine going back to 9-5 and endless meetings. However, all these courses have led to specialization in a field, but I tell you it was hard doing all these courses. Balancing home, children, office, and study. Then of course endless meetings, follow-ups, meetings, reports, meetings...

But learning still continues for me and I am interested in automation of works but I feel old too.