Denny Emerson also has a book, How Good Riders Get Good, that you might want to check out OP.
Unfortunately there are no shortcuts or easy routes (though $$$ can help, but even those with the money to spend still dedicate a lot of hours to become good riders). It's all about what you're willing to sacrifice in order to reach that goal, as others have said things like friends/family, even your own horse. One of the best ways to become a better rider is to ride a lot of horses every day and that's easiest to do as a working student where you may not be able to afford your own horse. But ultimately only you can decide what you're willing to give up for that goal.
In my early 30s I was between jobs and ended up in a part-time working student position for a summer. For pretty much my whole life until then I'd been a 1 horse rider, either owning or leasing. I was absolutely blown away by how much my riding improved by riding multiple horses a day, everything from ottb greenies to upper 5 figure jumpers.
So probably the dream becomes unattainable at the point where you realize there are other things in life you are not willing to sacrifice.