Oh yeah, dealing with the general public can be really draining. I haven’t had to do it for work for a while, so I’m counting my blessings there!
We have plenty of protection information here on the site and the forum! There are a lot of ways to protect oneself - it just depends on the type of protection you need and your preferred method of protection. I’ll drop some links here for you to get you started!
haha yeah, I currently live in Florida, but we’re getting ready to move. I’m originally from California and have lived in many states across the country! Florida is definitely not my forever home. Being by the ocean is nice, but there are many things about Florida I don’t like 
It’s just not for me, but I hope that you’re able to move out here!
Go with what you believe! There are some things to keep in mind when working with deities, but I view working with and worshipping deities very differently. It’s perfectly acceptable to worship a deity if you feel called to do so. There are many reasons why someone would worship a deity, but working with a deity involves a relationship of sorts. I think that’s not something to take lightly and is usually done after plenty of research, introductions with the deity, and offerings given.
There are also a lot of views out there about finding a deity. Some polytheists believe a deity will reach out to you. Others believe we choose the deity. Neither is right, but neither is wrong - because it’s all down to what each person believes and their specific tradition, if any!
There’s this post about working with deities → Deity Worship: How to Honor Pagan Gods and Goddesses – Spells8
And here are a few more links!
→ How Does a Goddess Choose You? Signs a Deity is Calling – Spells8
→ Deity Tarot Spread with 7 Cards: Identify a God or Goddess – Spells8
→ Signs From Your Spirit Guides: How to Find & Meet Them – Spells8