I definitely know what you mean XD! I really don't want to be working in an architecture firm all my life to be honest... I started posting comics online midway though college after getting enough independence and courage . It took me quite a lot to get to the status that I'm at now let me tell you (it's been a rather gradual but steady climb, and an emotional roller coaster much of the way), and I still make barely a penny off it ^___^''', but the connections I've developed with other creators and readers have been absolutely, truly priceless <3 , more than any number count could suffice. But hey, anything's possible, you never know when you might get that sudden wave of readers, I've been around here long enough to see it suddenly happen to several creators around me, like Harrodeleted and Pigeoneer Jane . At that point though they've had a hefty amount of content to keep readers coming back after subscribing, even juggling several series at once tends to give that extra boost if you can handle the work load.
Unfortunately I've also talked to more than my fair share of creators who also can't sustain themselves on their comic alone, even with the sheer amount of readers that they do have, so they work full/part time on whatever they do. It's very likely that I will end up in the same route. I don't see any of my comics becoming ridiculously popular anytime soon, let alone sustaining. It's always nice to have a backup plan , and hey, if you manage to get enough of a steady income you might be able to jump full time on your comic with some freelance on the side to balance out finances! But, if comics is the route you want to go, the best advice I could give anyone is connections connections connections~ It's what starts you off, keeps you going, and what will sustain you