Interesting discussion.

In our family we've kind of made it work by my wife doing music full time (though this includes regular work a number of local schools - who understand that gigs come first and are comfortable that she won't be there every week) and me continuing to earn a comfortable corporate income - and accompanying her when I can.

She is now doing 40-60 paid gigs a year - mainly folk clubs and festivals all over the UK. Her income pretty much pays for our social life and holidays (we have 2 early teenage kids so these things aren't cheap!).

I have to say, I really love this set up - it's a thrill to see my other half do well with my financial support (she's the one with the talent anyway) AND I get to play on some fairly big stages off the back of her hard gigging work.

The kids do get a bit sick of getting dragged to festivals most weekends in the summer though!