Its absolutely possible to make a living doing it. The advise you got on here is solid, real world advise. It's about having a backup plan. Opening your mind to other career paths. Get yourself an education, career, then start edging your way into it. If you eventually dive into photography head first, you'll still have the degree to fall back on.

You're 18? Create a ten year plan for yourself. That's probably the best guidance I can offer.

(Oh, all of that and open a Roth IRA. There is no force as powerful as compounding interest. . )