Good mudding is a skill. I know it took me a few rooms before I got the hang of it, certainly not a "Career Choice" I would make.

I reason that after a few years at it, you can call yourself a pro at which point you know where you need to make it look good and where you can just say fuggit. 
Ceilings are the worst, I can understand why they always recommend the popcorn texture up there.