The reason I trust in my abilities is that I have a pretty good work ethic and while not everything pans out, I feel that I can work my way out of most situations adequately enough.

It is kind of like that saying, it is better to have loved and lost, than to never have loved at all.

Yep! that's true my friend. "The world belongs to those who dare"

On other hand, I also understand your wife's legitimate concern. ;)