Would it be an option to try meatbombing or instructing in your local area on your blocks of days off? I'm a bit out of touch with the GA job market so not sure if an employer would be flexible enough to allow that sort of thing.
If your missus has a portable vocation and could get a job in one of the towns in the top end, I would have both of you putting out feelers now while you're working, then bite the bullet, rent out the house, and head north on adventure.
Sounds fun.
