When you get the opportunity to step up a notch in life, step up. You were fortunate to have an employer to show you the ropes, and give you an opportunity to improve not only your work, and job skills, but to improve your own self image. If you don't approve of yourself, no one else will either. Be happy with who you are, as an individual, not as someone trying to emulate someone else. Glad you took the lessons of self determination, and reliance with good grace. You were given the opportunity to improve not only yourself, but your income. Live below your means, get rid of your credit cards, just use your debit card. Debt is not a tool. Set a budget, and write it down. Make your money work for you, not the other way around, and you will see, that you have more money than month, left over. This new job can be a new life for you and your family. Don't go buying stuff with the new paycheck. We are constantly being bombarded by adds, as to how we can have what we want now, just by going in debt. Right. No thanks. Old age comes way too soon, how well you set a budget, and a goal, and sacrifice now for old age, will determine if you will be eating steak, or dog food Good luck, and be thankful for the lessons you were given, and pat yourself on the back, for taking those lessons, and learning more skills, and knowledge to add to your resume'. Congratulations, and good luck. Keep in touch with your former employer, and a Christmas card to him, and your former coworkers, is not just a nice gesture, but also a good peace pipe in case things go south, with the new job. Again, good for you, and good luck. I think you will do fine with your new coworkers.
Wayne