Not a mid career. Local scholar, did normal 4 year undergrad in local uni. Did one overseas pre-service Masters and another part-time Masters during first few years of service (self-funded, education related, declared only after graduation). Due to late return from overseas, did not do contract teaching before entering NIE.

Could also be school's culture towards staff career advancement. Was promoted alongside a non-scholar with 6.5 years of trained service. Apparently, that is also considered fast, but seems like the norm in my school.