I have done both. Back in the eighties I was a single mom having a hard time making ends meet. I could only work hourly jobs which didn't pay a lot because my kids had health problems - both had asthma and one has hemophilia as well - and I had to take lots of time off from work. I started singing in bars and pubs and then got a job as a strolling guitarist in a Mexican restaurant, which lasted a couple of years. (One of my areas of interest is Latin American folk music and I speak fluent Spanish). It was fun but exhausting. I had no mike and had to belt out songs from 7:00 to midnight Friday and Saturday, and from 12:00 to 4:00 on Sundays. I had a lot of fun but also got worn out and instead of picking up the guitar when I was at home and playing for relaxation I was always feverishly trying to learn songs patrons had requested. What used to be fun and relaxing got to be WORK. Then I got on my feet financially and went back to playing for fun. Now I am paid sometimes and like it well enough, but if it's any kind of a charity event or festival I donate my performance as part of my contribution. I mostly do Irish/celtic although I don't limit myself to that. As many mudcatters have said, we're not likely to make much money doing traditional music, so I only do what I enjoy.