I don't know what to make of this thread. I sort of sympathise. But you HAVE to look deeper into your situation if you want to make a living from all this nonsense.

First of all, I'd rather be somebody who writes songs and plays guitar than someone who doesn't.

So now you have to decide, is this a private neurosis - or am I going to perform this music.

If you are going to perform. there two possible scenarios. Your music is in demand. And if so, the laws of supply and demand should see you all right.

The second scenario is this. the music doesn't make money, or sometimes it does but not consistently enough to have all the normal things that your family is entitled to expect you to provide.

The key to this situation is that you are a performer. Whereas most sane men would shrivel up and die if they had to get onstage and sing - you have this odd little aberrant chip in your brain, which says Jaysus I LOVE this!

there are always places that want performers - not necessarily folksingers - but its definitely the performing gene God has given you which is your salvation - rather than a late 20th century fashion for folktunes.

You have skills and you have aptitudes which are uncommon and marketable. cheer up! Some poor bastards haven't.