I doubt that I will ever make money with a camera. Over the years I have heard that the market is saturated, and many professionals who hired photographers in past decades have bought digital point and shoots and take the pictures themselves. Demand for real photographers has been vaporized. The boss comes to your office and says "I bought you a camera", and you're now doing the job of two people.
How many have bought a camera with the dream of one day working for National Geographic? (That is something I would do, so I'm not mocking.)
I've been working hard at building my skill set for retirement. I don't know if I will be able to leave when I am eligible - March of 2016 - but I have to aim for it. Delays only give me more time to add skills and make more money.
I just got my hunting license in December, and I've passed both PAL exams. I'll be able to send in my application as soon as I get a form back from the RCMP. I also have both my Aeronautical and Maritime Restricted Operator's Certificates, boater's card, and I've been working on my Amatuer Radio license. When I'm able, I also want a private pilot's license. I just finished the trapper's course, and will soon be a certified trapper. I just need to send in a form to the OFMF. (No more courses!!!! AAAaagh!)
Anyone who's lived north of Sudbury should be able to imagine how all of the above, or any three of the above, could come together in one occupation. All of that without a bag of Nikon equipment, and some decent skills, just doesn't seem right. Whether I will volunteer for an organization, or work for money, I can't say. Any bozo can fly over a lake and take a picture. If you have something unique to offer, or just have the freedom to do what others wish they could do, you can make a go of it, and get a few bills in your pocket.
Many of the qualifications I mentioned might only create the opportunity to get in the right place at the right time with a camera, just to take that great shot that makes a difference. Many others will have the camera, but not the opportunity.
All I know is I want to be outdoors, and I want to have fun!
And btw, speaking without any real experience, my favorite kind of photography will be extreme wide angle, rectal linear. I really hate fisheye, but I will enjoy getting great shots with a 14mm lens.