Many people measure success based on money or materialistic things. We should measure success based on our happiness.
Many of us grow up not knowing what we want to do with our lives. It can take years to figure it out, and some never do.
Some skateboarders want to be pros, filmmakers, photographers, and sometimes other skaters only want to skate and have fun. Some are still searching for their purpose and destination in life.
Stepping away from a skateboarding career and choosing a different path than other skaters can make someone feel they're missing out in life. However, a lot of people are going to lose that way.
Life is all about many paths, and the letters are from A to Z. If plans A and B didn't work out, there are always other letters in the alphabet.
The reality is that one of the great opportunities in life is taking a dreadful situation and turn it into something positive.
Understanding who you are as a skater versus thinking you wish you were the professional skateboarder should be implemented in our thoughts.
Never let negative people in your life discourage you from doing what you love to do. No matter what others may tell you about your skating skills or abilities in skateboarding as a whole, it is still your own choice and decision to act on it.
It is important to accept ourselves for who we are and pat ourselves on the back that it is ok to be on a different road.
Maybe no one in your family or friends will understand or approve but, you have to do what makes you happy in life.
Good luck with your future endeavor.