Many humane societies welcome fostering and it allows you not just a chance to answer all these questions but also a chance to see how well you fit with a specific cat.

Don't allow yourself to get peer-pressured into multiple pets at the start. Every cat is different and some sleep so much and are so low energy that they won't notice your absence while others will miss you right away. Fostering will help you sort this out as well.

I think everyone's life could be made better with a cat in it. The fact that you're aware and concerned with a future pet's wellbeing in your care makes me think you're going to be a great caretaker.