I became a teacher - I really dislike the whole book signing mentality. I couldn't break through it. But I did like talking at a few local conferences and teaching adults (which is how most authors really get bread and butter).

But Montessori - training and teaching - I loved that more than anything. It was revolutionary - teaching children to think is the most revolutionary action on the planet. Dealing with administration was a nightmare, and I loved the parents but had no way to remember their names. I am like you there.

Sounds to me like you are doing everything right in the writing era. Hell, Cathy had a b-day party for one of the kids and gave out paper dolls and somehow I ended up with a writing career. We self published a Victorian paper doll book, and a bookstore owner told us to go to a small local publisher. So, you write and jobs and opportunities arrive. I am very big on self-publishing.

Ah, fantasy me has coffee, deep and witty talk and become best friends in some vague way. Real me laughs it's ass off in between scathing insults.