That’s exactly what I did.

I used to study applied physics just for myself. BTW, it makes your brain work pretty well together with maths, and surprisingly train yourself for decision making situations.

And I have started some master in same study area, but priority was to work, and work full-time in another country as Developer, because no one will teach you as good as being beginner on big project, decisions you do there worth more then years of study in same or sibling area.

And yes, degree was required, but only because for Ukrainian people it’s a requirement to issue permission to work in EU for example.