^ What dawnrunner says.
I'm starting from scratch too, LP, although I never had the job/lifestyle you describe. It must be difficult and quite a change.
But change is good - think of it as a growth opportunity.
What I know for sure is that empy time = thinking time. This can be good or not good, depending.
At the moment I need to keep occupied, and I am starting small, doing very, very 'simple' things which were too hard for me before, or rather I didn't care: walking, eating right, cooking, cleaning here and there, have set up a few social occasions with non-big-drinkers etc. These things, for me, are a challenge (less so every day though) and therefore I feel like I am growing, building a new life (albeit slowly) and I feel satisfied.
I also come here to SR a lot. It is great for ideas, support and motivation.
Welcome,
BB