So, while I've definitely been spending my time in several, small side quests, I've been trying to draw and paint at least twice a week. I think I definitely am improving and I've had a couple of people interested on buying either originals or prints from me; no sale has materialized yet, but the interest alone is enough to make me feel motivated to keep going.
I shall not give up. I will keep improving.
Also, I'm kinda fed up with academia lately