I also struggle with this balance. My job/business is better than most, but not perfect. I'm always searching, probing, exploring for something better. I have my ideas, but it is tough.
My balance is taking the road you are taking (more or less). I just signed up for a 3 hour a week volunteer gig in the area I'm interested in. Try to keep the current career in check in the mean time.
However, the new program would end up with me starting my own business again and I am kind of an all or nothing believer when it comes to starting a new business. So, I'll likely wait until I'm further down the FI road before making the jump. I think I do differ from a lot of people on the forum in that I will likely make the jump before full/safe FI. I'm comfortable meeting our low expenses on new business revenue and letting the stash grow on it's own if need be. After all, a "retirement" gig is for fun and not about the money.