Oooo...that's a toughie.

Here are some things that perhaps might help when it comes down to decision time. Do a little research (before you make the commitment and quit the job) on who might be interested in hiring you, how regularly, and at what pay. Find a *really good* financial counselor and start working out a plan to make the most out of what you *will* make. Factor in the slow times. Consider how often (if at all) you are willing to do some teaching from home (perhaps to make sure there is a little regular income) and factor that into the figs. Take a look at all outgo and consider what you'd be willing to trim back on. Do you live alone? If so, is there someplace within a reasonable distance from where you want to be that might be more economical, at least until you are confidant that you are up and running as a musician? And, look into how much of all this you can reasonably save in an IRA and/or perhaps some higher yield lower to moderate risk investment products. If you can save up your own "fraction of your salary" without making it impossible to live, then that might be just the "umph" you need to make the decision. As Robin2 has very wisely said here...if it does not look like you can maintain yourself and/or your family, then that's something to think very seriously about.

All the best to you in this decision! Please let us know how it goes. :D