Congratulations Snare on your new job!
When I started my degree after leaving the WTS it felt like my brain was made of rusty cogs that were creaking slowly around as I tried to apply myself to reading and getting myself to think. I actually enjoy thinking now, it's one of my favourite things.
I have found myself becoming a neophile rather than a neophobe. Learning and experiencing new things is fun! When I think of sitting in a KH hearing the same boring nonsense over and over I can't believe I stuck it at all.
I'm so glad you're having a great life after all your hard work.
Edited to say for those in the UK who have to work and study to financially recover from a JW life, pioneering and so on, the Open University is a great way to do it.