Is shaving just not for me?

About 6 months ago I used r/wicked_edge recommendations to buy a DE, brush, soap, the works. I had a beard at a time so I just used it on my neck / cheeks, and all was well. I wasn't particularly good at shaving, but that was because I wasn't getting enough practice.

Fast forward to a month ago. I decided to lose the beard, and was excited to finally try shaving my whole face. Man, what an experience. I spent two weeks trying to shave and ending up with a face full of stubble. If I forced it anymore I'd end up with blood. No biggie though, I'd get better with time right?

Well, I tried going to one of those expensive-straight-razor-$50-shaves to see what it was like to have truly smooth skin, something I can aspire to. I asked the barber for a very close shave, he asked me if I had sensitive skin, I told him I didn't think so. I was wrong. 25 excruciating minutes later, my skin was the smoothest it's ever been (but still had stubble in places) and I was in a lot of pain. The barber told me I had extremely sensitive skin, a really thick beard, and hair that grows in every direction.

Since then I grew my beard back out and have gone back to just using the DE on my neck. I don't shave too close because I don't really need to. Now, I'm lucky that I've got a decent beard so it's not the end of the world, but I'm a little disappointed that I don't get the choice. Before it was a matter of just getting better at shaving, now it feels like no matter what I do, I'll never get a close, comfortable shave. I can't beat an experienced barber who's using a straight razor and complicated prep can I?

I'm posting to see if anyone's had a similar experience and found that they can still shave. Honestly, I'm pretty resigned to my beard for now, but I figured it's worth seeing if I should revisit shaving in the future.