In my earlier days I would spend days on one sculpture and sometimes return to it weeks later to make improvements. . I have found this to be true. Carving is a feeling similar to writing a final examination. The concentration and stress is considerable, because one always has to think in two and three dimensions. Once a piece of stone has been removed it cannot be replaced.
Artists are akin to hermits.
Most are solitary and prefer to work alone. However, once finished with the piece of art we have to come out of the closet to seek reaction by a family member, a loved one or a close friend. In summary, for me, the emotional aspects of a career as a sculptor may be more important than the economics. This is the most frequently asked question. I can only respond in terms of my own experience.