I'm lucky enough to be in a position where about 8 weeks ago I gave up full time work to pursue my photography as a career. I got sick of going "through the motions" with my work (an industry I had been in for 20 years) and it was time to do something that I enjoy.
Well, it has paid off and I have just been offered my first contract. It is for 6 weeks as photographic team leader for Santa photography up until Xmas. Sure it isn't glamorous, but it is paid photography work. The other benefit is the company I will be working for also do event photography, so I'm hoping that this might lead to other more "glamorous" work.
It's a pretty big deal for me given the risk I took to give up work, so I couldn't be happier.