I guess here is your answer:
Tbh I'm actually enjoying doing GA flying.
You asked also if it was worth it to renew your medical. I don't get it, you sure need it when you fly VFR.
I admit I don't fully understand what you want.
To be clear: if you send your resume (in order to be hired) to the airlines yes you need your IR to be current most of the time.
If you don't know how to choose between the airlines and GA, and asking here for some advice about it, I would answer you don't have the choice apparently right now anyway.
Finally, yes a career in GA is very interesting and could even be challenging. Concerning the flying I think that's more interesting than the airlines, I have experienced both.