I've been in the same situation as you.
I've been cubing since 2011. LUL .
Switched to ZZ in 2012 the moment I got sub-20 with cfop.
Stopped for 2 years (critical year for studies). ( on and off )
Started back in 2015 but only for a month. I've only had the 3x3 until 2015. Then I got a 4x4 and a 5x5 some really terrible ones so I don't get motivation to play.2015 was my final year in high school , I just had to focus on my studies.
got addicted again end of 2016 and start 2017. Stopped mid 2017 cause of university and other responsibilities.
Now here I am in 2018. Still cubing. The thing that still kept me motivated is big cubes and new hardware.
What hindered me back then was that I had no money to buy cubes or access to online stores. I have always used some cheapo 1$ cube ( i'm serious ) before university . But right now I have a decent amount of money from part time jobs and sponsorship lul.
I guess rich kids or people that don't live in a third world country wouldn't understand the struggles.