Whatever you decide to do, don't even think about getting into the professional side of this until you have a LOT of knowledge, experience and practice. If you dive straight into the deep end then can't do it very well, it'll be a downward spiral. So, be careful.
i think SEO as a job should be considered for beginners where you can get a break and learn on the job. once you know REAL SEO, then you would be better off working on your own site(s) which will pay you lot more than the job itself
Or, you can do both like I do. I run multiple sites while providing SEO services and consultation.... while working a full time job. Talk about multi-tasking.