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.
I’m going for it as we speak. When the company I worked for downsized I decided at the age of 41 that I’m going to be what I always dreamed of being since I was 15: A photographer. It’s not an easy road and it’s a work in progress but I’m pushing hard and with the backing of friends and understanding wife and even fellow photographers, it’s happening. I may struggle but I’m loving my life now and it’s a wonderful feeling. I’m living my life in art even if it is 20 years late, I thank god it wasn’t 40.
Thanks Chase for always encouraging us to push forward and take risks. That’s what living really is.
Chase, thank you for this post. It is good to see from all the responses that I am not the only person who is starting a transition from a crappy day(actually night)job into pursuing my passion for photography full time. I have been wanting to make this transition for a while now, constantly making excuses, finding reasons not to I guess out of fear. I am not getting any younger, so its either now(december actually) or never.
It amazes me the amount “chance taking testimonials'” to be found here. It comforts me as a 36 year old wanting to make the jump, that there are so many others out there with the faith to at least try to make their dreams realities. An old friend of mine used to say “Sometimes you have to jump in the middle of the river, to find out just how tall you are!”
Great piece to read on my Birthday while writing down goals for the next year.
Thank-you
Perfect! It’s what so many people need to hear, that they never get told. My wife and I are in the midst of this right now. We’re so close to taking the leap, but just tying up a few loose ends prior to jumping in! Great thoughts Chase.