Why is it that our society clearly celebrates the chance takers, yet we rarely encourage one another to take chances–especially those people closest to us?
Almost all your favorite artists quit the traditional to pursue their dreams. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates dropped out of college to pursue their passions. Regardless if you wanna be in art, or film, or accounting, or a pro athlete, the story is the same.
Go tell your husband that you’re quitting your well paying job to pursue a career in video and film. Or go tell your parents you’re dropping out of college to pursue photography full time and see what they say.
I’m not saying quit your day job on the spot. But I do find it strange that our culture by-and-large celebrates those people who have taken non-traditional paths to success, but yet it rarely encourages people to take those same paths when success is only a distant dream.
What is wrong with us?
Take that chance. And encourage others in your life to do the same.
Chase,
I did exactly that – quit my good paying “day job” to pursue my life-long passion of photography and finally make it my life’s work.
It hasn’t always been easy (almost never), almost always a LOT of hard work, and I’ve made plenty of mistakes along the way. But, going on 8 years full-time now owning my own business, and I’ve never looked back. I still LOVE what I do, and when you can make a living doing what you love, it’s a good life…
Denny Medley
Random Photography
http://www.randomphotography.com
http://www.facebook.com/randomphotography
Great post, Chase. I’ve been heavily influenced by a similar observation that Galen Rowell made. He said, (paraphrasing here) “Most of us spend our entire lives working to fulfill someone elses closely held dreams…”
Since you only live once, why not do everything it takes to pursue your own closely held dreams and ambitions?
Great advice Chase!
speaking in the light of photography; if you’ve got what it takes.. it’s no risk.. (or should I say very minimal risk).. just make sure the TIMING is right. that’s what crucial.
Ok, I will do it!
Just this morning I got a great chance to break loose from my dead-end job as a graphic designer and go all the way with my own business as a photographer and graphic designer. Havnt had the guts before and I have tonight to think about it. This is the kick in my behind that i needed. I think … 🙂