Had to share with this community, I decided for my second game to just rip off the band-aid and I entered a game jam targeted at beginners. I placed 3rd - with 1st and 2nd going to more seasoned game developers. I never imagined that, going in, I would be on the pedestal. I just have to thank everyone that participates in game development and indie gaming as a community - including you, reading this.
If you are curious and want to check it out:
Thank you! It was lots of fun, a great learning experience, and seeing all the games was great! Definitely not the last jam I will participate in, can only recommend it to other devs.