I spent 18 years as a graphic artist. Took a few years off for my daughter,and moved to the UK in that period.
To earn money when she was small,I turned my talents to making jewelery and then hand-painted papier mache items...which I loved doing-but people won't pay for.
Through one of my contacts who I sold through, I started cooking. I now work as a part-time cook in a drop - in centre for the homeless and vulnerable. I love it - everyone has a story to tell-some quite horrific. That's the real world though,and it is nice to help people in any way.