I do enjoy programming. And I want to be able to increase my salary and have the freedom to work wherever I want. The second part is more important. I don't see myself staying in my current location forever. I can make 60-75k doing what I do now in various places but the demand isn't that high.
I could get a masters or Ph.D in marine biology or some shyt which I would enjoy it, but I wouldn't make much more if more at all, and I'd have to take out a bunch of loans, probably quit working due to all the field/lab hours, and be limited to where the work is. Not worth it.
Me getting turned down for that promotion has got me feeling

bruh. It's a sign that it's time for a change. They told me another position will open up for me in a couple of years but I can't trust it.