To all the pros and semi-pros out there, how did you get from winning micro/low stakes cash games and small stakes MTTs to playing the sort of stakes you can make a living at? I feel like there is a big gap between where I'm at now (50NLH online, live 1/2, occasional MTTs $250- live $33- online) and the next step up, playing cash games that may include pros and bigger MTTs.
Along with that, do you feel it's best to develop strong, consistent strategies at lower stakes before moving up, or is it okay to just move up stakes and try to optimize your game at the highest stakes you can play comfortably and profitably?

Please and thank you- I feel like I'm having a small poker existential crisis haha