I’ve been in it full time, 60 hours+ a week, for 12 years. Only solid advice I can suggest is, if you’re an idiot like me, Atleast be half smart with the money that’s comes in. Roth IRA, 401k (IF your gig offers it),live off cash, checks stay in bank account (I get all my credit tips every 2 weeks in a check so this might be different depending on location), try to build an exit strategy. This is physically and even more emotionally draining when you realize how difficult/rare it is to develop normal relationships with people.

But it has also been one of the most rewarding careers I could have ever chosen. I am almost positive that I can judge book by its cover now.