When people tell me "I used to be a skater, but..." I think they're full of shit and never were unless they're handicapped or live where there are only dirt roads. I can't imagine a scenario where I would willingly not ride a skateboard.
I’ll give you my hiatus story. Got married, bought a house, had a kid, finished my apprenticeship went skating the gap across from twin towers(Sacto) clipped the sidewalk kick flipping it. Blew my wrist up and got fired from my job since you need to functional hands as a bodyman. I decided that I needed to adult since I had others that depended on me. Skated for almost 20 years. Still followed skating & got stoked when I’d see spots. 10 years later I had a little side business that if worse came to worse and couldn’t do bodywork anymore, I could scratch enough from my parts business. Said fuck it I’m skating again.
You’re right though, I guess I never was a skater to begin with.
There’s other variables in others life’s man. Somethings have priority over your interests and needs.
EDIT
Just realized this was in the unpopular opinions thread. Carry on.