I'm wondering if the viola might be an instrument to explore. Can you make a living, playing a viola?
user
I can definitely make a living teaching music, and there are people who’ve done it all their lives as composers and musicians, as well as people who play the viola in orchestras.  
I don’t know much about how well violas are paid in major orchestras though.  I think that orchestras try to keep that information confidential, so as not to tip off potential job candidates.  If you want to be an orchestral musician and you go after a major orchestra job, you’ll have to do some research into what a salary might be in that position, and see if you can afford it
assistant
I'm wondering if the viola might be an instrument to explore. Can you make a living, playing a viola?
user
Sure.  It can be a great instrument to explore.  I have made a living as a violist in symphony orchestras and chamber music groups.  Nowadays, many folks pursue a career in music as a career choice, but not everyone, and there are many other careers that have something to do with music.  Here’s a link to an article about the viola and a career in music.  It might also be useful to read this list of careers, and the short descriptions about each.
assistant
I'm wondering if the viola might be an instrument to explore. Can you make a living, playing a viola?