Lin:

Build the biggest most active net of supporters you can, and pull the bloody ripcord!!

Assuming you hhave a reasonable expectation of making a teacher's salary working the singing circuit you envision -- and can build up rpyalty interests if you nourish some productive songwriting and publishing buts in there -- I suspect you will be much happier. IF you can deal weith the ambiguity of the transition. If you can't, hold your hand in front of your eyes and pull the ripcord anyway.

You asked, and I must add that this is only my own viewpoint -- and I dunno what your mocassins feel like just now!!! :>) But if you decide to make this brave transition, you have ALL my encouragement!

A