I played "PROFESSIONALLY" for a good number of years but always kept my day job,because it was a great job and I enjoyed it almost as much as the music. I had enough vacation time to allow us to do some mini local tours when we could and I had a great benefit package and pension scheme waiting for me at the end of my career. Being an immigrant with a wife and family these things are very important. I did not shrink from the challenge of being a full time musician and all the hardships and temptations that can be associated with that lifestyle, but I did not want my family to suffer because of my actions. I feel that being successful at something is directly proportional to the amount of enjoyment you get out of it. Now when I look back I am glad I made he choices that i did. I retired at age 55 , and living fairly comfortably with a grown up family and a grandchild in the next town. I still perform and probably always will. Other musicians that I worked with in the "Old Days" who went full time are now struggling to survive and I suspect they may rue not keeping another career as a safety net, they now play music not for enjoyment but strictly for the money, all pleasure is gone, they go on stage, do their set and get off as quickly as possible. Their music is now a JOB and it should never be anything other than sheer enjoyment.

Good luck no matter what you decide.