I did exactly what you are talking about. About 20 years in the gov. Got my ratings while working. Summer VFR 135 job in Alaska. Hired to drive a C208 doing night freight, then to one of the Fedex feeders where I became a capt on the ATR in my late 40's, 2 years and counting in India logging lots of pic and positioning myself to finish my last 10 years at somewhere like Southern or Omni. Maybe make capt there if the upgrade time isn't more than 5 years. Flying for me is a hobby and remains so to this day. And with the Indian salary I hope to buy an old Cessna or Piper :-). Don't give up on the dream.