I woke up to the prices too and it hurt to look at. while i do not intend to cash out anytime soon, i do enjoy the little rewards i get from steem or sbd sales. It helps to keep the light on and food on the table. I am here for the long term and like you expect the benefits of hodling to come. In the mean time, a man has to eat.

Getting a job in my part of the world is difficult and steem came at a time when i needed something. The model fitted perfectly with my desires; writing and making money. I am not looking to be a multimillionaire just being able to get a regular and sustainable income. I know this is almost impossible in crypto with the dips and aths but one can hope, yes?