as the others have said- you do what you think is right for you.
my $0.20 worth, though.
i bought an EQ6 and ED8 for imaging just when i started a degree in japanese. I used the gear 4 times in 4 years!
- i wish i had bought a 10" dob instead (or as well) so i could just go outside every so often for an astronomy fix
BUT: even though i did not use the EQ6/ED80 for imaging i did do a bit with
camera and tripod.
so, i reckon you are on the right path selling your gear to do Visual work AND you can still get your astroimaging fix with camera and tripod, and maybe build a barn-door mount! for some slightly longer exposures if you really need to...
good luck in your studies...