Jeff and Lynn, as you are both right above, I have been told "this is hard, very hard!", but then please remember I am not starting as a babe in the woods - I do have 2 degrees in art (big deal right?) and have been drawing for years.
I don't know if you have noticed this in my personality
but when I decide to do something I like to give 120%, so when I was freelancing it was very time-consuming too. That's what my question was mainly asking, if it is better to get a mediocre job or dip into savings.
Teaching would we great, but what? I am certified K - 12 for Art, but there's a full-time job.
Thanks for the art auction tips. I do those. I have also noticed a lot of new posters here come to the table as I did. When first diving into this I couldn't believe how many commissions I was getting - of course I want to sneak around like the Grinch and take them all back. Now that I have a hint of what I am doing it IS "hard, very hard".