How do you start?

More and more I keep wondering how to really get a start in the art world. I seem to get a lot of contradictory thoughts and advice.

In dance, people will say that you need to get into a dance community before you can really find work...by which they mean to take many many classes. unfortunately those cost money. in order to have excess money i'd have to have a job or two but then there is no time left for classes....

then with art, it is similar... when i am working all the time i find it hard to calm down and get into a good creative swing and don't produce worthwhile work. also it's hard to keep the materials stocked...

can you tell i feel a little anxious? hehehe it's just.. i'm looking for a second job now but all i really want to do is delve into art some more. it would be soooo nice to find a related job. i need to go poke around town a bit i think.