De
you just stated the most important reason and aspect to be in a place of employment and excel (pun intended) at it so ya standout and become the leader of that organization.
YA HAVE TO LOVE what you are doing, look forward to the results, and never lose that drive, desire, ambition..
Some call it motivation. I always called it inner drive to succeed in spite of the odds. LOVE what you are doing and you will succeed and excel at it!
Go for it man. You aren't employed anymore. You can take a limited chance to find out.
The ONLY reason I am still visiting other companies at my age is because I actually get a huge amount of Happiness helping others with problems I have already seen and solved and making their lives a little easier. I am "giving back" for decades of successes I never imagined were possible but am eternally grateful for and certainly know there are others who were much more gifted or talented than myself. I am a "driven" personality as are you and you take pride in when you do something and it works out well.
Go for it De !!!! Ya built that gorgeous place to live ina scenic area now USE IT man !! You guys are doing great! 
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