Thinking about when I got my first book deal and hoped I would be able to quit my job and make books full time someday, lol. Now I am so thankful to still have a day job.

Over time, my goals have shifted from wanting to be able to support myself with book income to taking on projects that are interesting or that push me as an illustrator, so having a day job has offered me that flexibility.

It's really hard to have a book come out right now, and there's no income from school visits, which is often an important income stream for authors and illustrators.

In conclusion:
1. keep your day job
2. authors and illustrators don't make a lot of money
3. find satisfaction in the joy and process of making things, because that is what will sustain you in the long run