Welcome to the forum! Don't let academic philosophy temper your apparent spirit for philosophy. Anyway, welcome to the forum, and as someone that has a tendency to dive into social philosophy for long periods of time, I look forward to future conversations.

Right. As in the cases of being a swimmer, a chess player, a physicist, or a musician, never hone your skills. It will "temper" your natural enthusiasm. Not that you will not become a better swimmer, chess player, physicist. or musician, But your enthusiasm will dissipate. Except, of course, when learning more, and becoming better at what you do, increases your enthusiasm. As it usually does do.

Having a background in political science makes the transition to ethics and other areas of practical philosophy very easy; and from practical to theoretical (metaphysics and epistemology, for example) perhaps somewhat easier that if you were beginning with a blank slate. But philosophy, as it attempts to answer fundamental questions is never far from science, history, and the humanistic disciplines, all of which share some common ground.
Welcome to Philforum!
Regards,
John

We are really looking forward to being part of your community.
Welcome stay as long as you like and then a little longer for those of us who still need you.

Welcome.