.. except... I've known many amateurs who are far superior in terms of skill, knowledge, and experience than pro counterparts.

Definitely in photography, where pursuit of excellence is a great satisfaction in itself
when unhindered by commercial considerations, pressures, and constraints.

The same also applies to a vast number of amateur musicians....

The key is to have fun no matter how crap you are at your chosen hobby...

Though, it is perhaps more important to be aware of how crap you are
if you aspire to inflict your crapness in public on discerning audiences... ???