First, I don't think anyone was "judging" you. But comics folks need to face reality.
I have a lot of artist friends in the webcomic (and comic) arena - some quite successful. We've done a LOT of talking about this subject (making a living on comics) behind the scenes - for YEARS.
I personally would never attempt it. There are actually plenty of people making "a living" off their comics. But what does "a living" mean? Many of them are barely scraping by, living without health insurance and steady income. Basically earning a living wage - just barely. Honestly, you can do that at a burger joint.
Certainly there are some doing better than that. Some of those people were "first movers" in webcomics. People like Kurtz, who had time to hone their skills when there was hardly any competition. (I think Kurtz has turned into a decent comic guy, but his early advantage is undeniable, even if he won't admit it.)
Today I see a lot of fantastic comics by incredible artists that struggle to find an audience. It's very much like trying to get a recording contract with your band - the struggle for getting an audience and getting noticed is that fierce.
I really believe that comics is a young person's game. You have to be ready to dedicate ALL your time to it for years, not just making your comic, but being a marketing/promotional machine. You have to do cons across the country. You have to be innovative in selling yourself. That takes loads of time and effort that someone who has a family and a job simply can't do. In fact, I think the promotional aspect of comics work is the BIGGER part of the work - and the hardest part.
I have had jobs for 20+ years now that have paid me more than I could ever make in comics (unless I signed some crazy book deal or something - that would be like winning the lottery). Plus I have health insurance and stability of income. I would be a fool to give that up to try and "make it in comics."
When this subject comes up, I try to get people to open their eyes and see the reality of the situation. The people who make a living at this are like the top 1% of artists in the world. And that living isn't always so good. And it doesn't always last.
Also keep in mind that some of these artists don't make enough to support themselves - but their spouses work to even things out, so there's that, too.
In the last 5 years, I have seen tons of very talented artists get into the webcomic game, too. So not only is there tons more competition, but the level of that competition has been raised - a LOT. Many mainstream artists working at traditional places like Marvel have moved to putting their own creations online. These are seasoned pros who already have an audience. You are now up against artists like that, too.
I've heard of too many sad stories behind the scenes of artists not being able to make rent, pay bills, or worse have a medical issue that nearly ruins them because comics cannot support all that. These are real issues, folks, that happen to real people.
That doesn't mean I think you shouldn't make comics - quite the contrary! I think realizing the reality of it, you can enjoy what we do MORE. It frees you up. Make the best comics you can, and do the best and getting yourself out there. Celebrate what success you do have. The longer you can be in the game, and the more you can build your audience, the better chance you have at financial success - even if it's modest.
That has always been my goal - to stick around and build an audience. So I can earn a SIDE income to my main job. My goal is that when I get closer to retirement, that I have a big enough audience to "retire into comics" as it were. Supplement my retirement income with comics income.
Now if something were to happen for me before then, wonderful. I'm doing what I can do. But if not, I have a job that supports me and my family, and I do comics that I love, and above all, I enjoy doing it. I've been fortunate enough to make some money with my Kickstarter, and to be pulling in a little money this year with my Patreon campaign. But it's nothing I could ever live on. But it can be a stepping stone. It's the start of a journey.
Regardless of what you do, have a PLAN. If you are at all serious about comics, a business plan is definitely in order. Be organized, be responsible, and work hard.
I don't claim to have all the answers. But that is what I have seen and experienced with myself and many friends in the industry over the last 6 years.