Good for you! I have been in pretty much the same position: worked for years in various jobs and trying to get off the ground as writer and artist. Difficult to do while also doing a full time job. A year or two ago I got laid off from my full time job, so I had freedom foisted upon me by fate.

I now work part time and spend the rest of the time painting and writing. Thus far with more or less zero success, and I'm dirt poor, but your story serves as inspiration. :-)