Your level of play is based on how you perform at the table, which is based primarily on how much time you devote to playing and practicing. It is not based on the date of the first time you picked up a cue stick.
You don't owe anybody any explanations about your life. We all have priorities. Pool is a selfish sport in that you must play it often in order to excel. The best pool players have sacrificed a lot, including careers and relationships.
Anyone who wants to get really good at it in a short span of time has to make it a priority. Otherwise, they'll improve at a slower pace; and what's wrong with improving at a slower pace? Nothing!
thanks fran I agree with you on everyone having there own pace also it is good he is playing better players