[exit]

> The main problem is that I don't have the 5-10 years to really sink into that comfortably to get there from raw experience, or the stamina to go through what would seem to be my own personal hell in the meantime.

you've described a very difficult situation. i wish i had concrete advice for progressing with it.

you do seem to have a strong sense of your weaknesses and strengths though.

off the top of my head, perhaps developing some kind of SaaS such that you can deal with clients in a very algorithmic way / purely by API, would suit you best? as opposed to dealing with per client contracts/formalities...

sorry, i wish i had better advice and/or perspective for your situation.

in any case, merry christmas :)