To each their own...but I don't take the same view as you.It's called other interests.
Nobody wants to play this forever. A person is dead inside if they are playing everyday. There are other things to do.
I am at a wonderful balance.
In 1996 we bought a lot and had options but picked a specific floor plan of the choices for a house to be built....We chose that (smaller) floor plan because at the time we could not afford to buy a house with a room (other than the living room) that was big enough for a full size table......The floor plan we chose gave us the ability to add on a 16x20 room (at a later date)....When that room was added on it of course became the pool room....My daughter then came along and was born and I did have to sacrifice some of the space to give her her own room...but in the end I am in a "lucky" position that I have a pool table in my home and am able to play pool everyday.......and even luckier in that I have a wife that lets me.
I don't see it as "dead inside" you are what you make of yourself.....I know people that would trade with me in a heartbeat....
My Dad told me something years ago that has always stuck.....Don't worry or be mad about what you don't have....be happy and grateful with what you do have.
I had many situations, circumstances and decisions that took me away from pool for the last 5-7 years....mainly a job that required I get up at 1am and go to work for 10-13 hours a day and a sleep disorder that forced me to log in and record sleep hours to retain my DOT medical card.........so pool had to take a back seat to provide for my family....well I am done with all that and retired so now I can play pool again....
So quite the contrary to being dead inside......I am thrilled and grateful I now have the opportunity to play everyday.....and actually get out and compete again.
Even though I am a severe underdog right now....I can't wait for the next event that allows a 600+ player