When I was 25 it didn't matter so much, but now I'm getting a little old to be living this lifestyle. It's a love-hate thing. You doubt yourself constantly. You question why you do it all the time. If it's something you're not passionate about, then go elsewhere, because it's all about staying power.
Most independent filmmakers work at another job and make movies in their spare time.
Or their family or spouse carries them financially. I think it's definitely something that will increase the popularity of people going out and making films. But if you want to make money, independent filmmaking is not the career to choose. After many years, if you get a reputation as a good, solid independent filmmaker, then perhaps you'll get the returns you wanted in the beginning. I know a lot of people who get discouraged and drop out, but they come back to it.