Well Mr Mobbs, I for one am proud of you that you took this step. It scared me when you did. In fact I wondered if I would ever see you again. If you would make it past the first month. But you grew strong and confident. I agree that had you stayed your life would probably be various shades of grey. You have stepped out of the expectation bubble, made your own path and your influence reaches a lot further than I think even you realise.
I would encourage anyone to at least try it. Maybe not 5000 miles away from home, but go somewhere, anywhere where you have to deal with your life your way whilst you're young. A whole new world may be all you need to make you YOU. The best way to learn is to try. If you fail try another way. If you succeed then share it.