I'm really lucky to have the best of both worlds. I work as a counsellor/psychtherapist predominantly in schools and refuge settings, so have the benefit of being in a 'day job' with lots of flexibility. I'm also part of a Folk band that's getting increasingly more gigs/ festival opportunities. Whilst the paid gigs bring in a revenue, once split between five people and petrol expenses, I can't see how I could ever carve a living from just being in the band which I absolutely love.
Another member of our band is a professional musician, with lots of other projects ( he's a composer/ violinist/viola player/ percussionist and vocal tutor. He's the most talented musician I have ever met and yet he really struggles to bring in a decent livable wage through his music alone ( which he insists on doing).
I personally, wouldn't want the main reason for playing music to be for paying the bills as I feel I would lose the excitement and joy in playing at paid gigs ( where people actually want to pay to hear us) as well as all the lovely singarounds and folk clubs that I attend.
I love what I do, I love playing with people and being part of a lovely folk community where I am making so many friends.
As I said, I am lucky to have the best of both worlds.
On a final note, the music acts as a perfect balance for the type of work that I do and is the best therapy in the world for me!