I don't think you're missing anything if you choose to get out of the hobby - it will be here when you return. As Leon can attest, I have been promising to get back into the hobby for 6-7 years, but didn't do anything collecting-wise until very recently. I don't feel I missed too much.
There are more auctions than ever and I'm probably having more fun. The cards I always liked the most (T-cards) are just as affordable. The hobby participants are actually even more interesting than I remember. Also, since you're quite young - it's probably that you'll be in better financial position when you return to the hobby, and more $$$ means more flexibility buying what you want. Any increases in prices won't mean as much to you.
One thing I would recommend - pick a few of your favorite more valuable cards and don't get rid of them. Just put them away, perhaps a few of the more valuable HOF'ers that you really like.
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