So you want to be a professional?
Photographer. Director. Golfer. Belly dancer. Designer. Waiter. Model.
If you’re wondering if you’ve got what it takes to go pro, try it. Seriously. Quit what you’re doing now and go there. You’ll know soon after you’ve tried to go there whether or not you’re in the right spot. If you don’t have what it takes, it will be obvious – going pro will be too hard, other things will seem more interesting, more pleasurable, more fun.
On the other hand, if you do have what it takes, you will be reborn. All setbacks will seem small, all goals achievable, all hurdles put there only to keep out the others. You will know you’re on the right path.
One thing for certain is that both paths–trying to go pro and steering clear of going pro–will be full of fear. In one case the fear is that you’ll fail and not be good enough. In the other case the fear is that you’ll never have lived your dream…
When you think of those two, which one is worse?
Amen. It’s definitely worse to not dare to try. Still, it’s so hard to jump.
Chase, I have done exactly that. Quit the godawful day job to turn pro. It is indeed a challenge, but I’m still hanging in after a dismal 2010 financially.
I would offer some advice to those who weren’t born into money, rich, trust fund babies, etc: Save enough money to support yourself for at least a year – more like a year and a half in this climate. Or have a spouse or partner who can support you financially (and morally) until you get some money coming in. And if you’ve already built up enough photo biz to support yourself while working the day job, then what are you waiting for??? 😉
Best,
Thom
What fantastic timing on your post Chase, thank you. While filled to the brim with fear and self-doubt I had handed in my resignation yesterday to do just this. Your post reminded me of why I have to do this. I can’t stomach the thought of waking up an old man wondering what if? I know the road is going to be long and arduous, littered with failure. The alternative simply isn’t acceptable. If I have to go back to a day job someday, it will be with my head held high, confident in the knowledge that I will grow old knowing that I had a go.
What are the odds? I’ve been debating this for the last month! My goal is to become a commercial photographer. I live in Albuquerque NM, where becoming a commercial photographer is almost impossible! My plan is to quit my job, invest into what other equipment is necessary, drain my savings and go to California to look for work! I am 19 going on 20 years old in May & have nothing to lose! If I fail, at least I know I went for it! This is exactly what I needed to read! Thank You So MUCH!!
Do it man!!! Just like JoeyL
Nice bit of inspiration on the train commute into the day job 🙂 I’d love to down tools and go full time pro! For me I need to build something whilst I do the day job! Fear should help you do the things you want to do and it does, but I need to keep sensible hat on initially!