Great post, thanks for your honesty that many have felt but rarely make public. "I was motivated by extrinsic rather than intrinsic rewards." This statement is most important to help us all see/contemplate what it is we are all here for and why it's important to understand/know that about ourselves.

Life is a journey of choices and experiences that create the most wonderful or awful story, but it's is our story. Once you know/accept that it is up to you leaps are more acceptable and become adventures rather than things to be feared.

Congratulations on your 'leap' and much success on your new path. ~ljl~