Just responding to your comment from one of my art pieces. Just felt like it was better to put it on your profile (or maybe the lack of sleep is making me insane, either way). Also, your post wasn't too long or anything. I just needed time to properly look it over and give a good response. I was in the middle of a job hunting session so I had to finish that first.
Your words were very touching. It especially helps right now since I'm juggling so much at the moment.
So you want to "give yourself time to do things in the real world that will give me perspective on life". Interesting idea. Go for it! Try new things, travel to different places, don't be afraid to mix things up sometimes. Even little things can do a lot. But of course, don't forget to relax when life gets too overwhelming.
Even I started out small and I've slowly added to my list of personal successes. Sometimes I feel down when I find out my friends are studying zen meditation in the Chinese mountains or happily working their ideal job; as if I'm not as successful as them or I'm not where I want to be. We're not traveling the same path; it's more like we're climbing separate mountains. Each mountain has its own heights, dangers, roadblocks, etc with each climber going at their own speed. Instead of comparing, find motivation in others. If they can climb their mountain, you can climb yours.
I'll continue working hard with my remaining university semester, job hunting, writing and (of course) comic drawing. You do your best too