Sounds like I'm better off in the US. I am determined to make my entire living from performance, since that is my motivation for working in music. So I do work at playing anywhere I can, as often as I can and I hope to steadily improve the gigs over time.

I really can sing the music I love in any situation, though each situation has a different set requirements. I'd give up puns in a heartbeat, if I could - but they keep me honest, and humble! I do not make a living in only folk concert environments. And playing a mix of festival, pub and concert environments means I have to play 3 sort of separate "looks" at my music. They are not all that different to me - but I have to say, there are some songs I never play outside the pubs. I guess I try to make pub audiences hear and appreciate songs they are not expecting, and I use those times to learn about the basic qualities of a song's appeal, "how do I get this song across to a busy, packed pub?" is the sort of thing I look to learn. Because answering that helps me even more with the "listening" audiences.

Music is a tough way to make a living - but I love it and I'll find a way to keep it going. It does sound like things are easier for me here in the US, though from this thread.