I stopped playing a couple years ago because I got burnt out by scammy promoters, terrible soundmen, mentally stunted musicians, jaded/indifferent crowds, and so on. Although the bullshit became too much for me, I really love the essence of playing live, it's incredibly fulfilling and I miss it. Sometimes I fantasize about picking myself up and trying again, but I'm daunted by those negative experiences. I guess some would say "if you want to do it, just do it, don't focus on the negative," but--at least in my city--it's like ignoring someone constantly spitting directly into your face. Maybe it's folly to fantasize about an experience of playing with musicians you love and respect at a club that doesn't openly rip you off for people who don't believe they're above all music.
I just wanted to get other people's personal experiences. I dunno, maybe you've been through something similar.