The Pitfalls of a Children's Book Illustrator

I know so many people have this idealized view of what a children's book illustrator's life is like. What are some of the things that you don't like about it or that if you had your choice you'd take it away? For me personally, the biggest demon that I wrestle with is just self-doubt. There's so much competition out there. The publishing industry is very slow. Books can take years to finish. You don't see that money right away.