Congrats Benny, you wont be sorry. I could relate to alot of what your path was, after my rebelious years, I worked for a defense company for many years. Toward the end with mergers, changes to benefits etc, and some policy changes with which I did not agree, I retired. That was three and a half years ago.
Sounds like you have a good plan with working part time at something you enjoy, that is great.

BTW thanks for the tips on my recent Salsa build, much appreciated.