He wrote in his autobiography that 'my family was one of twenty or so making a precarious living from the land there'.

It's a precarious living - their clients may be unable or unwilling to pay them, and corrupt cops are circling for bribes.

By contrast, self-employment can provide freedom and independence, but it might also mean a more precarious living — and very long hours.

He made a precarious living as a freelance art critic, translator and editor but without ever achieving much renown.

Most miners earn a precarious living working long hours in dangerous and unhealthy conditions.