I've always wondered - how does a "professional amateur athlete" manage to earn a living? I've always assumed that they have parents of means that subsidize their passion to allow them to pursue their goals.

As an American I can not conceive of a career path that does not immediately provide fruit for labor - yes, I know this is a stunted view point but it is what I have. I would love to know of another way of following my passions without a viable means of support.

I know that I could absolutely crush a lot of my bucket-list goals if I didn't have to earn along the way.