Pat,
Personally, I think your in a good situation. Only 40 hours? with no kids in the house or spouse to clean up after, cook for, iron for, etc? No band, socceer, tae kwon do practices to chauffer to? No dentists, orthodontists appointments to keep straight for a whole family? No PTA, boy scouts or youth groups to chaperone? No health problems that can stop you?
I'll encourage you the only way I know how to. You have a good situation there for making a go of your art - comparitively speaking. If you want it bad enough - you will do it. It isnt your 40 hours of working that is stopping you. There are many of us that do that, or do 40 hours of other things combined because of demands of families. The only thing stopping you is you. There isnt anyone for you to be resentful towards...you only have to support yourself.
My best piece of advice - drink more coffee.
At one point for a couple years I had 3 children home with me, 2 in diapers. I did medical transcription for about 50 hours a week...stopping to change diapers, cook dinner, throw in laundry and saving children from falling in toilets or poking each others eyes out. I never stopped painting - I did that in the middle of the night and was able to produce 15 landscapes for a solo show in about 6 months. Granted, I didnt sleep much. I only could do it because I wanted it
that bad.
Make up your mind that you want it. Dont be resentful - thats a waste of energy. And drink lots and lots of coffee.
I hope I dont sound harsh - everyone here is being so supporting. I like you lots Pat! I mean this as a reality check. I think you can do it! And I wish you luck. Remember though - there are many of us who wouldnt mind being in your situation....if we could find someone to take over our families.
