Hello pensive: I don't know as I really have much of anything to offer here. But I noticed this is your first post here on PC. So... welcome to Psych Central.

Here's a link to an article, from Psych Central's archives, that talks about where to go when you don't know where to go. Next are links to 3 articles that offer suggestions for what to do when you feel lost. I don't know as being "lost" is really quite the appropriate descriptor for where you're at in life. After all, it sounds like you have 3 great kids & you're pursuing a master's degree. However perhaps some of the ideas in these articles can help to address that "where do I go from here" feeling. Also included are links to 2 articles that talk about making friends plus one on the subject of the self-confidence formula for women:

Where to Go When You Don't Know Where to Go | Mentoring and Recovery

When You Feel Lost or Disconnected from Yourself

Feeling Lost in Life: A Learning Opportunity

Feeling Lost? How to Find Yourself and Get Back on Track | Change Your Mind, Change Your Life

How To Make Friends, or At Least Think About It More Clearly

https://psychcentral.com/blog/8-tips...aking-friends/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/the-sel...ula-for-women/

I hope you find PC to be of benefit.