Im not really following you on your tinker narrative.Stay where you are. Get hurt. File disabilty. Take whatever's left after the lawyers cut, move to Arkansas, buy 5 acres, build a shop, R & R auto transmissions. Get a fishing pole. Or....
Serially, retired Tinker 12 yrs ago. Don't be the guy that thinks he has to put in 60 hrs a week to keep his job. They'll catch on and treat you like $^%%! Be your own man and let 'em all know they can kiss you azz and you'll not end up a washed up brain dead gov't worker. (ie: don't take the easy road)