I've been a successful writer for over 30 years and have struggled for over 30 years. I haven't once been able to measure my success in monetary value. But I have measured it in terms of the happiness and satisfaction of my clients. I mean, I've been writing mostly for them all this time. If you're a seasoned freelance writer, you know the score. You write what you're asked to write - and you have a limited amount of time to write "for yourself". *^^* I'm probably not going to make a big splash anywhere I end up in the social media circles, and I don't really need to, or want to.
Because then, I'd be committed. No, literally. lol I'd be committed because I would go crazy from the commitments I would need to make. People need to understand that fame comes with a terrible price - your life. It's not yours anymore, it's your fans. I feel for the people having to crank out stories every other day just to make readers happy. That's not the kind of life I want. No one should want a life where they're "stuck" having to entertain others 24/7/365.
So take some heart if you're not highly famous or swimming in wealth right now. Some people just aren't meant to do it, because they could never handle it. Strive to be the best writer you ever read. Enjoy the writing you do, have the confidence that it's great, and the rewards will come to you, I promise.