I also agree with those who become professionals at what was once their hobby. When I was in my 20's I wanted to be a professional photographer, but made my money delivering pizzas. For years I would shoot pictures as a hobby, for myself, and also learning the craft. I shot plenty of scenics, sunsets and pretty girls. Then it finally became my full time paid gig and guess what, no more pics of scenic, sunsets or pretty girls, unless I am paid. The last one mostly because I got married and she is the only pretty girl I photograph for free. After working all week, the last thing I usually feel like doing is picking up a camera, even for the occasional freelance job, which usually pays more than I make in a week at the newspaper I work for. I do them though, because I need the money to pay for my woodworking hobby, haha.
I did shoot something for personal pleasure a last year, The Blue Angels came to town and I brought my gear out to shoot the show. I had a great time doing it and made some nice images. So try and find something really special you want to work on in the shop and make some time to do it, even if it is just a couple hours a week. Or take up photography as a hobby and then you will learn what a really expensive hobby costs when you want to buy good gear. At least you don't have to pay for film anymore.
