I started here late last year, and have been through all psychological 'ups and downs' of steemit.
i.e The work/ rewards dynamic.
I'm lucky - I have lots of time, and don't need to take much out to improve my quality of life (live in Se Asia).
IF I was in the west, living a western economy - I would still be on steemit, but definitely wouldn't be putting the hours into it, as I do now.
A good honest post, mate.
Cheers mate!