Long story short, I'm a Dev. From a boring job, I started a very successful side project. A dream came true. Now 4 years later, I'm done with it.

Yes I did learn a lot. Yes, data science and a bit of ML was involved. Yes, I (should) feel very fortunate (and I do). But it was a lonely journey. Since I could afford it, I took a lot of lectures at the university again (a good one). Got re-educated on the latest "shit" regarding machine learning, robotics, 3D vision. Even did a small student/research project. BUT it's not enough. Can't really land a job that I want. I understand that. Couldn't even get an interesting internship. Yes, these entry positions are for graduates and obviously I just lack the experience for a senior position. My CV isn't just as clean... OK, enough complaining : )

Was thinking – how about buying my way somehow into it? Shouldn't this work? Maybe it depends on how much... Yes could start my own company in the area of my interest (robotics) BUT I do not feel comfortable doing such a step right now. So what do you think : )? Any hint? Can this work? How? Thanks!