I've been powering everything up since day one. This makes my vote more powerful and I believe gives me higher curation rewards, which are small, but add up.

I never intended on cashing out anything until Steem is worth something substantial (many believe it will be some day, I'm one of them). Everything I do today is an investment towards my future.

Though I've seen the lower end of the successful side of things here quite often and sometimes even see the middle range, I'd never be able to afford Canadian living on my efforts here alone. My current account value won't even pay one month's rent for most apartments around here.

If you enjoy doing this sort of thing, keep plugging away, keep battling to get noticed and keep your chin up. Many quit because they are of the right now gimme gimme variety. This sort of investment takes time to mature.

If you keep walking, you'll eventually get to your destination.