I have a girlfriend of eight years but no children to speak of yet. She's finishing up grad school but eventually should have a decent salary. That said, I definitely sympathize and it's a worry waiting on the horizon. We had long discussions about the future of this path and how I needed to be willing to take a step back and provide more if things weren't working out.

When I first brought up my career change, she wasn't on board because I didn't have a plan. But now that I am (more) sure of myself and know what I want to do and how, she is happy to support me and I'm exceedingly grateful for that. As long as you're communicating and your family is supporting you, I'd bet you can find a way to make it work.

I was reading about director Ang Lee a few months ago and found some inspiration in his career. After finishing grad school, he spent the next six years unemployed, writing a couple scripts at home and taking care of his two small children while his wife (a molecular biologist) worked. If he had given up then or if his family hadn't believed in him and supported him, he probably wouldn't be where he is now. Everyone's situation is different but I found hope and comfort in his backstory.