Hi Pmac, didn't notice your message until today. I think moderation caused me to miss it.
Sounds like you're really going through a rough patch at the moment. I don't know your XW, and having a job that gives you the confidence that you can live the life you want is important, but I worry you say you are doing it to get her back. It can lead to a lot of resentment if it doesn't work. And I suspect there was more to your R than her sticking around because of your job position.
But getting yourself on your feet and going after the career you want is GAL. Just do it with an eye toward what will make you happy no matter what happens with the XW.
You might want to start a thread on your topic, if you want some feedback. Small regular updates have worked for me in getting good and useful suggestions.
H: 38 xW: 38 M: 16 T: 18 S: 9 BD: 2/2012 W moved out 4/2012 D: 11/2012