^^ Ah, but we never know do we
@Weve3! Time is a pesky critter, which can be perceived in different ways by different people under a variety of different circumstances. On the surface yes, time can be precious according to how an athlete manages it, uses it, etc.
Truth be told, a lot of skating careers are presumed to be over, and skaters deemed out of time and out of luck. But many skaters persevere and turn things around. Adam; Ashley W; Deanna Stellato (in amazing 17-year comeback fashion); Ashley C has been rejuvenated as a pairs skater with Timothy LeDuc after her options seemed limited in singles and nonexistent in pairs; Caroline Zhang has been written off numerous times and bounced back; Grant has persevered to make the World team when he could have packed it in years ago before finally breaking into the top five at Nationals; Carolina Kostner's career was thought to be ended first by retirement and then by her legal troubles; Mao Asada experienced so many challenges and courageously prevailed; Mirai has been dismissed, rejected and underestimated, and now she's coming into her own with maturity, improved performance abilities and boffo 3-axel under a coach who believes in her and guides her well. And so on and so on.
We just never know, do we?

And that's why we watch!
I think the most important thing for Gracie is to enjoy herself this season and to treat every experience like icing on the cake. She needs to figure out for herself what she wants, without worrying at all about fans' expectations, critiques, and pronouncements. It's entirely possible if Gracie feels the need to obtain a new lease on her life in skating that she might continue another season or so. Whatever she decides, it's not a life or death matter, nor a final ultimatum matter.