I got turned on to playing music for other people to enjoy in my late teens , when I was NOT in a position to do it seriously for money as I was in the Armed Forces . By the time I was a civilian again , my music had turned from Jazz to Folk and after a couple of years I slung the Day job and went pro. I lasted three years and finished up back at a day job and playing music as a self supporting hobby , until
I was 'in the right place at the right time' and started being serious (and Semi Pro) . During the day job years I was able to get some decent instruments and equipment together and at the age of 61
slung the day job again and now am a Jobbing pro musician/singer .
I have somewhere to keep my gear , a small second hand car , and can
go out for a beer (or buy a bottle of decent whisky) more or less when I want . Wealthy I will never be , but I am rich in good musical friends , have my health , and STILL enjoy entertaining people .