I am far from self employed. With that said, I have found there is a difference between having success and feeling successful. When I would get lots of upvotes, but very little comments I didn't feel successful.

The financial success wasn't my goal or purpose just a byproduct.

I stopped using some of the bots, I stopped asking friends to read my post, and I started focusing on my writing. I feel successful because the comments are still low but more engaging.

I don't know if that answered your question or not, but it is what came to mind.