"Winding and unpredictable" is true for me! Going back for my M.A. in Art just 10 years ago, I was in classes with some young people who finished their M.A.'s in Art at the same time. One has spent many years thereafter working as a waitress at a pizza establishment, and the other as a handy-person at an art gallery. At least I had my teaching job for security.
I don't mean to discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams. As I said, I don't regret my choice...In fact, it was the ONLY choice I could have ever made and been true to myself. It's just not that easy!