I can relate to the need for taking a break from even an enjoyable hobby. I cannot work on anything from sun up to sun down every day; probably why it takes me years to finish anything if at all. I probably have more tank/ tank related projects than I'll live long enough to finish although I like to think the upcoming retirement might offer opportunities to catch up. But still, even in retirement I don't plan on staying in my shop until I look like a Morlock....

I fear painting and weathering are always going to be tasks not joys because I'm good at neither and with my glow fuel powered models I have the additional problem of locating paint that is fuel proof on top of it all( mercifully I recently glommed onto a new to me product line that is promising).

As for the original poster all I can say is look within to understand what you came to the hobby for. The hobby remains what it was when you started, you changed not it. I understand budgets, my own approach is to take care of all my financial obligations first and hobbies come after; I have a lot but I've been in this now more than 40 years; if I let the frustrations get me I would have quit long ago. Talk about frustrating; you should have tried this when I started, when Bandai ruled the roost...

Everyone should take a break now and again. Put your toys away, take a breath, go on a hike, kiss a pretty woman, see another country, listen to classical music, grab some suds.

Above all pay attention, if it's no longer fun stop doing whatever it is you're doing and figure out what is.
Exit if that's the right course of action gracefully and graciously - hobbies are generally kind places so treat them so...

jerry