Same here. I wanted top quality photos. I love photos. Taking them, looking at them, processing them, etc. I like how photos make me feel, and how they make other people feel. I'd call myself a "pro-sumer". Some people get wrapped up in a novel for hours, I could slowly page through and study photos for hours.

Eventually dabbled in some pro gear and had to pay for it, ended up getting booked solid for a year straight at the peak of my "career", doing senior pictures, engagement pictures, and weddings. Used the money to buy more gear. Couldn't stop buying those top end primes at up to $2k each. Eventually I was toting $30k worth of gear and vacations were nothing but photography missions and I was always worried about getting my gear stolen, and at some point I had my breaking point because photography was controlling my life and I never even wanted to be a photographer or have a photography career, and after my last client job was complete I sold all my gear and now the only camera I own is my cell phone.

It would be nice to have a reasonable photography hobby, but after owning what I had, nothing will compare to the feel of the weight of my 85 1.2 in hand that paints backgrounds like watercolor. So I'd rather just have nothing and try to forget it all.

Maybe the key to hobbies is to be happy with what you have and refuse to try anything that is very expensive, otherwise you might ruin the hobby. Or just be rich!