If you've applied all your transforms and the mesh isn't too dense you should be able to select mesh, select rig and ctrl+p -> "parent with automatic weights". You'll probably need to toucvh up the auto weight maps but it's quicker than having to do everything manually :)

Your mesh looks like you need to blend your weight maps a bit more and possibly reconsider some of the edge loops :)

Don't worry about having to repeat work, that basically becomes your life if you're learning this kind of stuff XD especially on characters. Good job on reaching this point :)