...is what I tell myself. I have seen peoples' careers take off in mere months because they're taking on any and every kind of work. To me, that seems like Just Another Jobā¢ļø territory, and I'm not willing to accept that kind of creative death. I just do the kind of creative work I want, so I'm ok with it taking a long time to find my audience (there always is one, and you will find it!) I think the thing that held me back the longest was my own social anxiety and insular tendencies - nobody can learn about what you're doing if it's in a vacuum! I really don't like the term networking, but just keep doing the things you love and pick up on like-minded people along the way.
Edit: Oh, and applying to open calls for group zines or art shows is a great way to find more of those people!