There are many paths to success as a writer, but no matter which you end up on - they DO take time. All of them. No shortcuts in this business, alas! I think your experience is a good example of the long game, and more importantly it gives aspiring writers a good look at the necessity of developing skills besides "writing" in their quest to do this full time.

Some people may find themselves financially comfortable much sooner for any number of reasons, some based on privilege and luck and others based on their own unique skillset, but we should all be prepared to put in a great deal of time to build our professional abilities to the level of making six figures or anything close to that. It's simply reality.

Thank you for sharing your life experience and offering a dose of realism for our industry!