Amen Brother, 100% on point. I have a very similar background. I also lived two years very poor but free and happy. I also just had a job offer which would have paid me probably less than what you would have gotten. I never found out exactly how much because I canceled the final meeting. It didn't make any sense whatsoever. Pure slavery, a dead end.
Steemit is freedom.
I feel ya. There are so many ways to get some earnings today. I hope you will do great. At least you are ahead of the curve like everyone else on steemit ;) cheers brother :)