Some thoughts
"BTW, I assume you're a counter. Are you able to make significant money card counting - enough to support yourself? If so, did it take you a long time to get to that level? I like the elegance of the idea of making a living playing BJ but don't know if it's viable."
Previously, I didn't play professionally. I used BJ to supplement my income from a more mainstream job. Recently however, things have changed. AP has become more important to my income. I'm going back to school for training in a different profession and will be attempting to increas my BJ playing time. I do have other sources of income, but it's not enough.
There are some posters here who do play BJ for a living and make a good living. Most use some sort of team play and play other games/methods in addition to BJ and straight counting. It's very difficult to play at that level and make enough if playing solo (There are exceptions though). Elegance? It's only an idea, not a reality. Nothing elegant about this. Ok. Maybe at first, but it soon wears off and becomes work - especially if you're doing it right. It is viable, but it's very difficult.
Sign up for Greenchip and read some of the archives/POMs (It's only 2 green chips/year and well worth it.) I think there are a few posts in the archives that describe this lifestyle.
There is much for you to learn. Even if you just want to supplement your income from a "real" job. Read and learn everything you can about advantage play (don't read anything by John Patrick though).
Good luck
Johnny Bravo