Sadly I am at the first stage of what you are describing.
I am at a full time job unrelated to what I studied, which for now it is not a problem but the minimal i wage i get in Greece is. Looking for a cheap home, I have some support from people near me but I also want to find time and share thoughts and things to the steemit community that make me feel nice.
I don't think profits right now but seeing that some thoughts I researched / shared / expressed was upvoted by some people and even more importantly if they took the time to comment really warms me up.
It take some courage to change stuff. Time will show eventually if I manage some things I have in mind as you did.