You should not regret your decisions. I'm sure that there were reasons why you didn't leave sooner. I think that you don't need to work to be productive. But this depends a lot on the personality. Some people can't work around the house, others enjoy it a lot. Some people always find something to do, others need to be told what to do.. it's very personal...

These are matters of great importance, lol. Working towards a simple life is a great goal.