I worked magic hardcore for 2 years, but I worked a part time job to help with insurance benefits. Still, in that time, my main income was from my magic business.
Before I stopped, I almost died in a motocross crash. I walked away, but I reassessed my priorities and realized that I want a family someday and I want to settle down somewhere close to where I live now. I also had planned on going to grad school and had put that off for a long time. I decided to scale the magic business back and go back to school.
I couldn't see myself being out till 2, 3, or 4 AM when my wife's home with a baby. I couldn't see myself trying to make a marriage work over a phone in a hotel room somewhere. I chose to pursue the life I want to make rather than try to fit that life into the mold of a professional magician.
I actually enjoy working magic and I still do several shows monthly, but I do it because I love it, not because I need to take the gig to pay the electric bill that month.
Just keep in mind that before you make the leap, you should be honest with yourself about what kind of life you hope to have when you're 30, 40, or 50.
Hope this helps someone!
Pj