Steemit is not different from your real life. Simply because the same people you interact with also are there.
So, just forget about the money, and consider upvotes as a sign of TRUST. Keep posting and you'll make it.
And even if you don't, so what ? Does Facebook give you even $0.01 for your blogging or stories ?

If you are here for the money, then you are probably not worth staying.

https://steemit.com/steemit/@sebastien/whales-and-dolphins-desserve-they-status-steemit-is-not-about-money-it-s-about-trust-confessions-of-an-ex-steemit-complainer