I've been a semi-professional for over 20 years. I have a day job which pays my bills, and my band plays two to four gigs a month which don't pay much at all (most venues here in California give you some food and/or drink; other than that you play for tips).

Playing music is something I love to do, and I'm convinced it is what's keeping me sane. Long ago I came to the conclusion that if I were to do it for a living, it would become a job and thereby cease being fun. Therefore, I'm in it for a good time, have never given a toss about the "current market", and count myself lucky to have been able to keep my band going for this long and please a number of punters in the process.

Best of both worlds, really. And if things go to shit even more than they have (read: if I lose my job), I'll be able to make some coin playing, busking, or teaching.