I can sympathise with new users starting out.  Ive had plenty of friends that decided this platform just wasnt for them.

Ive had small success with just grinding and keeping at it, but not to the point Id like, but also havent invested anything but time yet. 

Id like to "branch out" to other platforms to start earning some side income to reinvest in steem but havent got the consistancy to start on a new platform and gain traction.

I have a lot of respect for those that have invested their own money, especially in the bear market, and have learned to respect anyone who has a big stake in Steem because regardless of how they came to get that big stake theyve held it when they could have sold it for much more.

My biggest regret is not investing more earlier in my life. My parents always talked down on investing and that delay has cost future me some money.  I think thats just one way some other version of me would have done better.