In the US, or many other developing countries (i.e., those without a robust social security mechanism), the only way most of us can afford to pursue our passions to a high degree of performance is through cross-subsidization with a "real job".
The benefits that passion provide to a rounded life, better mental health, sense of perspective and so on are far worth the price paid, assuming your day job can finance it appropriately.
It's either that or poverty, which works OK for some until they have or want a family, get sick, have to take care of their parents or worse.
Monetizing passion is a shitty Faustian Bargain imposed upon us by the time and place we live in, unfortunately.
In the US, or many other developing countries (i.e., those without a robust social security mechanism), the only way most of us can afford to pursue our passions to a high degree of performance is through cross-subsidization with a "real job".
The benefits that passion provide to a rounded life, better mental health, sense of perspective and so on are far worth the price paid, assuming your day job can finance it appropriately.
It's either that or poverty, which works OK for some until they have or want a family, get sick, have to take care of their parents or worse.
Monetizing passion is a shitty Faustian Bargain imposed upon us by the time and place we live in, unfortunately.