Have you considered other jobs than art? I've left academia for industry years ago (I work in a different field) and the most difficult part was getting that first job. But unlike in academia, there are more opportunities available with a scientific degree than just research. For example, if you have advanced math skills, you could look into banking or other financial institutions.

The disadvantage of having a non-art job is that you spend your days working on something that isn't art. :D But the advantage is that you are free pursue whatever direction you want to take with your style. And you can still work on the side to get your design business running.