Real or not is a matter of education and experience. Second is derived from more knowledge and practice, so I am always interested.
IMO chances of going broke are smaller if you don't hate what you do to make money. Passion is a great psychological edge by itself. Of course just passion is not enough, but, ceteris paribus it's more a benefit than not.
I am thinking : why not pop in the "spirituality" thread. I was thinking of closing it, as it serves its purpose, but then it occured to me it could become a good place of what seem to work/ not work.