Depending on the field, some courses require the lecturers to have sound knowledge and experience in the industry. and mind you, they do pay well. I'm in the pharmacy-related field. Those pharmacist with working experience like e.g. less than 3 years do get paid REALLY good. Oh yeah, I'm in the academic line btw. Ever thought of trying out part time teaching just to see if indeed this is something that you would like to do? Do a little research. Talk to your lecturers perhaps?

Whether you'll face difficulties in finding a job in local unis, it may also depends on the area. Critical courses?Highly in demand? But why limit yourself to local?There's plenty of good private universities around.

To quit your job and to pursue your PhD, nobody can help you in this. I truly agree with Starbuckie's comment. Address all the possible factors. Also, do what you want to do. Others may advice and give tons of comments, but in the end, they're not the one in your shoes. I myself in a position now where I might have to quit my job too to pursue my PhD. Got to be one of the most difficult decision to make. But hey, I want this badly and I'm doing this for my future. I rather let go of things now and give it all while I'm still young and capable of (I should be around your age too cos by the time I;m done with my Phd, would be around 33 34?). You may be older than those who got their PhD at a very young age- but remember, you have your working experience to back you up. Also, your friends may be right regarding the pay. IF a GOOD pay matters alot to you, then academic line is not the right place for you to be. But if you seek for self satisfaction and fulfillment educating people, yes, you may get it here . All the best.

Again, I would advice. Talk to the potential supervisor. For some program, you may do it part time without much burden but some you can't.

No idea bout computer science. soweeeee..

Yeah, you can get the elaun sara hidup and other allowance provided that you are a FULL TIME STUDENT without attachment to any work-related. Even if you're an research assistant, you'll still be deny from getting it. But if you're taking unpaid leave, I'm not sure - curious to know too if elaun will be given because this would be one of my option too.

Don't mind me asking, what field are you ? To teach bachelor students, most unis requires you to have at least a Masters. So yeah, prolly that could be the reason why there's no news from them. However, if there's diploma courses, you can teach.

Other ways would be through contacts if you have friends/acquaintances teaching in any universities or colleges.