@jungwatercolor, it's definitely not easy for art and artists these day. We have roughly 50 artists "on the books" at our gallery and out of them only three (that I can think of) actually make enough of a living from their art to not have taken full-time jobs as bookkeepers, waiters, store clerks and so on.
Sort of following up on these thoughts in my subsequent post, if you feel inclined to look at it.
Well, I must admit, now that I read what you wrote about artists with day jobs, I fell little easier, since despite my art degree, I have daytime job also, and it hasn't any connection with art...but Also it makes me sad, since I thought that only in my country is tuff...sorry to hear that..but I believe we will survive...beauty will save the world...call me an optimist :)