Hi it sounds like you are enjoying life and following your dreams so good on you!! :D
Some people get involved with bots on here but honestly, don't bother!
I joined 27 days ago and have been consistently posting high quality content and slowly but surely I have built by rep from 25 to 47.
So I am proof that if you just stay genuine and use this platform how it is supposed to be used (find accounts that interest you, interact, share greatly written and formatted posts) then you don't need to pay for bots.
Just thought i'd give you some encouragement and just be patient :)
Enjoy! :D