It hasn't broken even yet, and I have no idea when it will. I've probably spent $10,000 over the past seven years on gear, classes, and consumable materials for it, but I'm finally starting to see some monetary return on my investment.
Of course, I'm talking about photography, which I do because I love it and not because I expect to make money at it. I'm ok with it being permanently in the red and have no intention of ever trying to make it my primary source of income, as that would suck all the fun out of it for me.
I think you echo my thoughts pretty well. I'm a photographer who probably has about £10,000 worth of equipment, and while I get paid every two-three weeks (Anywhere from £10-£150) it's something that I do because it is fun, not from any rational income-generating sense.
I've absolutely zero interest in trying to be full time, because as you say it would suddenly become non-fun.
Of course, I'm talking about photography, which I do because I love it and not because I expect to make money at it. I'm ok with it being permanently in the red and have no intention of ever trying to make it my primary source of income, as that would suck all the fun out of it for me.