6 Months In – What I’ve Learned

Another personal post here….

If you follow me, you know that in February I finally said adios to corporate America so that I could put my full focus on my photography.  I walked away from the comfort of a well paying job for the uncertainty of being a business owner.  My photography business was exploding too fast that I couldn’t stay – two full-time jobs was too much to handle for two years (sometimes I wonder how I did it for so long).  I decided to take the leap and I haven’t looked back!

What I've Learned after leaving corporate america

[Note – in my original plan, I was to be quitting my job this month but I was 6 months ahead of schedule]

I’ve been a full-time photographer for 6 months now.  It’s been so rewarding and fulfilling.  Working with my clients has lifted me up to levels I never thought I’d be.  My clients have been so fantastic and wonderful and I could gush about them for days!

As many wonderful days that I’ve had, there are some rough days, but those are far from the norm.  Here’s what I’ve learned 6 months into my full time photography journey.

1) It’s hard.  But the good far outweighs the bad.

I’m sure you can imagine how hard and difficult it is being a business owner.  And, being a business of 1 is a lot of work.  There are some many little things that go into running a business that they all take time and my focus.  But, on those hard days I just remember that I’m living out my passion every single day!  Now, that’s pretty awesome.

2) Busy is good.  But downtime is important.

I love being busy.  Having tons of photo shoots, editing gorgeous photos, writing blog posts…busy busy busy.  But, I’ve learned that while being busy and making money is great, taking time for yourself is just as important.  I need time to recharge my batteries so that I can be the best photographer I can for my clients.  Whether that means taking a weekend trip with Mr. Chick or just taking two days off to lay on the couch! haha.  It’s very important to take some time away to refocus and recharge.

3) Focus. Drive. Determination.

Three words that have been defining my progression over the last 6 months.  I’m committed to this journey.  I’ve been working on a lot of personal development that are helping with these three traits – one being reading 52 books this year.  I’m a little behind but with focus, drive and determination I’ll complete my goal!

4) It’s all on me.  Forces me into action.

Guess what?  I have no steady paycheck.  If I want to make money, I have to work.  This forces you into action.  There are things that I’ve wanted to do to market my business, particularly my boudoir photography, and I’m now forced to do it.  If I want more clients, I have to take the steps to do that.  My ideas are killer.  Time to put the plan in motion.

5) My husband rocks.

I need to include Mr. Chick in this list too.  He’s been such a support to me as I pursue my passion and not a day goes by that I don’t recognize that I couldn’t do this without him.  He has his own job outside photography, even though he has a degree from the Art Institute in photography.  While this whole photography thing was his initial idea, he really was instrumental in bringing my passion to light.  I’m forever grateful for that or I’d probably still be working my corporate job.  Oh, and he carries our health insurance too so that’s pretty major! 🙂

6) I am worthy of this dream.

This is my dream job.  My passion in life is fulfilled in my photography.  I think sometimes I struggled with self doubt and constantly thinking, “am I good enough?”  But, you know what I’ve come to realize – I am worthy of this dream.  And, I’m so unbelievably humbled and blessed to do what I love.  Most importantly, I define what success is for me, not what sometimes tells me it should be.  This is the problem with Corporate America – someone else is dictating what you do and how well you do it.  NOW, I get to say what success is to me and I love that.  And, if you were wondering whether I’ve defined what success looks like, well, yes I have but you’ll have to wait for another blog post on that!  We all fall short but this job is worth the struggle, heartache, setbacks, and fear.  I am worth it.  This dream is worth it.

I’m ready for the next 6 months, the next year, the next 5 years, heck even the next 10 years!  There is no looking back.  I’m focused.  I’m driven.  And I’m determined to make this happen.

I love my job!  And, I recognize how lucky I am to be able to say that!

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