Hi,
I have worked back in 1998 at a computer game company.
One of the leading programmers was someone from big company in the Silicon
Valley, with about 10 years experience in graphic programming. Back then the
salary was bombastic, but as for production, he was ACE. Unfortunately the
company closed its doors.
He was then about 40 years old. I have met him in the university after some
years doing his Ph.d in computer graphic field. I remember talking with him
and asking how could he pass such a big salary, and he told me that everyone
in his place should go to the academy, because its very interesting, and let
you concentrate in the field you love.
Not a lot of people in the computer industry have a real Research and
Development jobs as you described. I think they are very few and most
of them are MA or Ph.d.
Consider going back to school and find the field you want to research. This
will give you the intellectual stimuli you need.
I have seen some Ph.d becoming entrepreneur, or leading the R&D in a new
company.
If you are Zionist as you said, wouldn't it be great to create more power to
Israel, by boosting its economy.
You also don't have to build yourself the company or be a manager, its just
to find the right people to build it with them.
As for quitting your job, I think the market now is not good as everybody
thinks. Go to some interview and see what I mean. You will have to wait to
the right job. I recommend searching for a job when you work, because it can
take a lot of time.
