I am now a full time composer/arranger. I did some work while still teaching, but finished my career so I could get my health insurance and full retirement (TRS). I am glad that I waited.

Once you leave the profession, you have to worry about health insurance and building a retirement fund. With me, because I waited, I had the TRS retirement, as well as royalties from publishers and clients. This worked out good for me.

Whatever you do, keep health insurance and your future retirement in mind. Good luck!