Coff & thing. You're right, the confidence from a first solo in a glider, at 16 was an amazing boost.
I went on to do a Flying Schol at Carlisle Flying Club. C150 for general handling, C172 for cross country and Auster J5F (Aiglet) for aerobatics.
Then I joined the RAF as an Engineer and had the best 36 years of my life!
After that I did some consultancy which was OK, the money was good but it wasn't the same.
Then I parted with Mrs SOS and so I am now solo again.
Rgds SOS