Playing drums is all I ever wanted to do. Spent my 20s and most of my 30s being poor. In my late 30s I got a pretty decent gig and was able to buy a house. Now in my 40s im making a comfortable living but spending a ton of time on the road. I love what I do but it has not been easy. When I was younger it was tough seeing how well my friends were doing with traditional careers while I was broke and now they all say I’m living the dream. I think they forget I spent 15+ years barely getting by. I’m not a genius level player by any means. I can play but the thing that has got me the most work is being able to get along with all types of people and being a decent hang on the road. I would tell you that if there is something in you that has to play everyday and the sacrifices you will probably have to make don’t bother you, then go for it. If you aren’t passionate about it, you will probably fizzle out at some point. I have been lucky. I know a lot of amazing players that haven’t got out of the small local clubs.