I have yet to build or flash a custom ROM myself, so I won't be able to help you out much there.
I would suggest looking into SPB Backup as far as applications go.
If you're not familiar with it, it's a program you can use to back up information from your phone on to your storage card, in case you ever do screw something up and that information needs to be restored. There are several back up programs out there, but I find SPB to be the best(atleast for my needs). SPB can make a complete backup of all the information on your device, so if you ever need to do a hard reset and the phone is back at the factory settings, you can run SPB and restore the phone to the pre-Hard reset state in just a matter of minutes.
I personally run a backup using this program anytime I am going to be adding new software, or making changes that I'm not 100% about. That way, if things don't work out the way I had planned, I just restore, no harm no foul
The program is not free, but there is a trial period where you're allowed to do 5 backups before having to purchase.
Out of all the programs that I've purchased though, I find this one to be the most invaluable.
Here's a link to the SPB website where you can purchase the program or download the free trial-
http://www.spbsoftwarehouse.com/products/backup/
Hope this helped
-Keir-
P.S.
I work nights too, 10PM to 6AM central, and I'm usually on here off and on through out my shift. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to send me a private message, and I'll try my best to help you out
