I am learning Clojure right now and I can relate to the feeling of not wanting to put time and effort into it if there is no marketable value in return. One thing that is motivating me is I read an article about how niche languages can be lucrative. (I want to say that article was here on HN but too lazy right now to search for it). The other thing that is motivating me is that this type of programming and thinking is completely different to mainstream PLs. It is a fun and challenging exercise and my hope is that it will benefit me in "normal" PL like everyone says it will.

I do have a vague (unrealistic??) idea of maybe getting a PT job using Clojure after studying for a year or so. PT because my FT job has amazing benefits and career potential. We will see. As of right now I am just enjoying learning Clojure and Lisp-style language.