Taking the Plunge on Going Full-Time with Photography | Personal
I know a few of you already know this, but I gave notice at my full time job of 5 years last Monday. Sometimes I am struck with all the feels—some are excited/hopeful, and some are utterly terrified to fail at this. So let’s get a little personal, shall we? I’ll give you a little peek into my last year and the beginnings of SHP.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Last Fall, photography made a more present way into my life rather unexpectedly. I tell everyone it becoming a job literally fell into my lap. I have always loved photography, but it was more of a hobby for myself when I picked up my first DSLR 9 years ago. Though I had always thought that being a wedding photographer would be insanely cool, I never really imagined it was something for me, something that I could actually do for work. I had some amazing friends allow me to do their maternity sessions and family sessions, and things just blossomed from there. At the end of fall last year, I applied for my business license and decided to take this new reality wherever it decided to take me.
FAST FORWARD TO THE PRESENT
To date, I have grinded away at two full time jobs for the past 10 months, and for the last 4 months I have worked nearly 7 days a week. To say I have been tired for past year is an understatement. I can sleep when I’m dead, right? Am I thankful for every single opportunity I’ve been given and for the steady day job? You bet ya! I certainly wouldn’t be where am I without this day job. Having steady income allowed me to jump into my business with arms wide open, develop my style and hone my craft, and afford growth opportunities that have ultimately gotten me where I am at this point of being ready to throw off the bow lines. In reality, I have always known deep down that a career in healthcare wasn’t where I wanted to be my entire life. Coming to that realization made me strive harder and harder to be able to do the thing that I love.
Now, the decision to put in my notice came rather suddenly. My end goal originally was to make it through the year before jumping ship; but last Monday, I just lost my mind. No clue if it was being tired of being so tired, feeling like I was spending more time at a job I didn’t love and haven’t loved for quite some time, or what. I was plain just over it. The security of the steady paycheck and benefits is something that was continually holding me back and ultimately, I felt like I wanted my photography to get to that same point of steadiness before making that call, but really, inside I felt like I was being untrue to myself and denying myself what was ultimately going to make me happiest in life. Any way I looked at it, I felt stuck. I certainly don’t have everything completely mapped out, but I am beyond excited to take on this new adventure in life and see what happens. Am I completely terrified? Absolutely. It’s a huge change, and I am so extremely thankful for every single person who has shared their wisdom with me, taken a change on me, booked me, cheered me on and supported my endeavor. I’m ready to take this challenge head on with determination.
In all honesty, I finally feel at home in my skin. Like I finally found the other shoe I have been looking for my entire life. Photography has pushed me way out of my comfort zone, made me try new experiences, meet new people and GROW both on a personal and social level. I’m certainly not the first person to take this leap, and I definitely won’t be the last. But I do hope that by taking these chances as they come, you will also be inspired to pursue your happy or encouraged to keep on striving for it. If anything, this last year of my life and all its ups and downs has taught me it is time to get living. I will continue to preach that day in and day out.
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