Sure the skills carry over. Get out and fly some approaches. That definitely applies.

A lot of those with whom I fly maintain their own airplanes, instruct, or do private flying or even in some cases other jobs or own businesses. There's nothing at all wrong with staying current.

Study your materials and keep current on those, but by all means, hit the traffic pattern, fly approaches, have a ball. It won't hurt a thing, and it is applicable.