I want to Intellectually Self-Actualise. Can I Still do this in Finance?

I am currently a second year analyst in London at Tier 1 US BB. I was top ranked here last year and have received informal confirmation that I am up for early promotion to associate.

I have been quite set on making the move to the buyside but am having a change of heart. Over the past year or so, I've gained a really burning desire to learn 'all that can be known'. This spans things like pure finance books, graduate level econ. textbooks, Russian literature, anthropology etc.

This has been the most immensely gratifying activity that I have done and I have found myself increasingly discontent with my hours which I have previously handled without blinking.

I am legitimately considering:

(1) Try to get into a Top Masters program and spend all my time focusing on work + reading

(2) Take an early 'mid career' break and live in Thailand for 1 year and just read and surf all day.

Should I do either of the above, how difficult would it be to land a career in high finance again? And what career options are available within finance that would allow me to maintain a higher level of free time?

Perhaps only Hedge Fund roles?