I am in a similar predicament. I'm a senior software engineer at my current job which has nothing to do with games. I did however, get into game programming from the days of dos/mode 19 (thanks to Andre Lamothe's books) back in early 2000. On my own (and as part of my studies), I've written every thing from flight simulators to software 3D rasterizers. (I have a YouTube channel -
https://www.youtube.com/user/faisalwho where I've begun showcasing my stuff, including my own 3D game engine + wip game, as well as pioneering new methods.)
I have zero industry experience but I try to stay ahead of the technologies merely as a hobbyist. Lately, I feel like if I was working in the industry, my throughput would be much, much greater as I would be doing something I do on my own anyways.
However, working my way up to my current position making the money I do, I can't afford to take a hit if I try to switch career paths. How can I, a senior programmer enter into this industry maintaining my title and compensation, when I possess the knowledge and work ethic, but lack the industry experience.
I feel my throughput at home rivals that of some senior architects i work with in my current field, only they have the title and the compensation, which I know would be easy for me to acquire if I switched industries.