Jay, of course everyone is free to do whatever they want, but I know people who have tried to make it in the music business and ultimately tap out. It is incredibly competitive as there are just more musicians than people want or need (similar to photography). I've had family try to break into the acting business, similar story. To be successful in those is like winning the lottery. Rather than "doing what you love", you can find a passion for something to fuel you. This could be a business to change the world (even if just a small corner of it) or maybe just building wealth for you and your family. That passion is what will drive you. Whatever you do, you will struggle. Nothing in life is easy. The bigger question is what value will you add to the world. I would certainly be very happy living in a hut on the beach in SE Asia somewhere with little to no money in my pocket, but then I wouldn't be adding any value to my family, much less tenants and other customers. That is why we have to think about more than just ourselves.