Seems like there is a continuum of what musicians get paid. It starts at unpaid, and goes up to "fills stadiums overnight". You jump in there at the Unpaid level and bounce around as far up the ladder as you choose to go, and whatever time, talent and circumstances allow.   Take whatever gigs fit into your plan.

Poppagator, you have taken the risk to your health of resettling in a tough place. This risk is being compensated, you can temporarily receive a premium for being there and available. Nothing wrong with that.