I'm just not sure

I recently moved away from my family in order to accept a full time position. I find that I'm pretty lonely at night and on the weekends. I am financially able to care for a cat and except for working, I'll be home. I've never had a cat before and I must admit I'm nervous about moving forward with an adoption. I have visited a few shelters, applied and been approved for adoption. I've spent time with a few cats and found one that I really like. BUT - I'm nervous that it won't work out.

Has anyone else experienced this apprehension?

Yes, definitely. I'm sure we all have. But it's worth it to literally save a life. Go for it & post photos. If you need any other advice, ask us.

It's perfectly normal to be anxious about taking on the responsibility for another creature. Cats are wonderful companions and great additions to any household. Since you live alone and the cat will be alone you'll want to make sure you have toys to keep it occupied while you are gone. Enjoy it and know we are all here if you have any questions. 

It's nice to see someone able to care for a cat, but still want to make sure as opposed to people getting a cat on a whim and not being able to care for them.
If you can afford it and are ok with making your place cat friendly (toys, cat tree, etc) then go for it! It will save a life for sure and enrich yours.

Thanks - I've picked an older cat (8 years) and I hope that we will be a good fit together. Yes, I'll make sure he has the cat trees and toys waiting for him when he gets home. 

I've been doing some research on-line and it seems like cats can be difficult. (scratching, litter boxes (or not using a litter box), knocking stuff off of the counters, etc. I'm wondering how accurate all of this is or if I'm just hearing so many stories at once?

I do have a few things that I enjoy having out that are breakable - do I have to pack them away?

Every cat is different. Keep in mind that this is an animal - not a human. Buy him two litter boxes. Some cats are counter jumpers, some cats are scratchers. Your cat is fully mature & you will find out his temperament. He has been through a lot if he was in a shelter at 8 years old. Please keep in mind that once you feed him you are his life person. No re-homing!

Bless you for adopting an older cat!
The problems that you mention really depend on the cat and the owner. When cats knock things around, it is often pent up energy\boredom\lack on attention from owner. 
A lot of problems can be fixed with play sessions. You tire the cat out and it's great quality time between cat an owner.
As for the litter box, it is often related to medical reasons.If a cat pees or poops outside of it and even if you keep it clean and in the right space, it's vey often due to an UTI.  A cat will not get even with you by pooping outside, like a lot of people think.
Cats will use the litter box on instinct. Just make sure it's not placed somewhere where there is lots going on like hallways and entrances. A nice quiet corner will do. I let a feral cat in recently and he has been using the litter box without fail. I use unscented (a ot of cats dont like perfume) and if i clean it out every day, it does not smell.
Keep us posted, keep coming back to keep leaning, and congratulations!

I agree with the others. Keep in mind that for every problem you've read about there are 100 cats with no problems. Out of the 9 cats my family has had we only had 2 with problems that revolved around my brother, his wife and a newborn coming into the house. Stress reaction basically. But my current 3 while unique and quirky don't have anything that could be considered negative or unadjustable for someone willing to make changes (like two very clean litter boxes for one very picky boy, *sigh*).

With an older one he already has an established personality and likes/dislikes. It will just be up to you to figure out. None of my cats have ever been shy about showing me when I am wrong. Even the litter box problems seem to be cats yelling at their owners that they are having a physical or emotional problem

Try to get toys that cover all the bases (feather, crinkle, sparkle, wand, ball, cardboard scratcher, etc) you'll find he gravitates towards one or more and then buy more of that type. Same with food, buy different flavors and types of wet until you figure what he likes. Dry is pretty basic, I haven't run into a preference for a specific flavor dry I suspect they all taste similar.

You'll be fine.

I just updated my account with a picture of my cat. (No name yet) We are doing great. He was in a shelter for about 2 months and prior to that all we know was that he was a stray. 

When I'm sitting or lying down he is very affectionate, but when I get up to move around or come home from work he hides and it takes a long time for him to come out. 

Our first vet appointment is scheduled for a couple of weeks from now.

So far I’m thrilled with my decision to take this leap!

Aww that is all kinds of awesome and i'm happy for both of you.
It'll take a little while for him to get used to all the noises and routine. I would encourage him to come out of hiding with treats or toys (you would know what motivates him most), and get him shelves and a tall cat tree so he can hang around in the upper areas instead of hiding in the 'bushes'. That'll boost his confidence.