Saturday, September 26, 2009

So much work, so very little time!!!

Sorry for the absentee-ism in bloggy land! It seems that my life has taken a very exciting, yet overwhelming turn.

Ya see, photography is a hobby that I just LOVE! I have always had a deep appreciation for the art, but never thought that I would do too much with it.

For my "REAL" job, I always knew that teaching was where I needed to be. I love children and I think educating them and being present when they get the "Aha" moment is magical.

I am in a real pickle, so to speak. My little photography business has really taken off. Thanks to Facebook (best marketing tool known to man, especially when you have over 500 friends on there :) and being a little more artsy than most local photographers, I am getting a lot of business. I am averaging two to three families a week and am now starting to have to turn people down and refer them to other photographers.

While I am over the MOON about the brief explosion of business, I am at a loss as to what to do. I love teaching, I love photography, but can't seem to do either justice, because they conflict as far as time.

I know it might sound as if I am whining, and well, maybe I am... (hey, it's my blog and I can cry if I want to :) I realize that I asked for this, but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be so busy.

SO, I guess what I am wondering is...what is in store? Should I continue to teach full time and let my little hobby be just that, a hobby? Or should I go for my dreams and run with this business? My mind says, "don't leave the security of having a job with great benefits and wonderful hours". while my heart is saying, "GO FOR IT! You only live once. You can always go back to teaching!"

I'm not really looking advice, but if you have any, wouldn't turn it down :)

Hope you all have an incredible weekend!!!

21 comments:

Shanna said...

It is great to find you blog again!
Wonderful for you!! I know you must the over the moon with excitement. And, you are right, you can always go back to your other love.

Amy Lafayett said...

What about job sharing as a teacher. I know some schools here in Sumner County let teachers do that. Maybe you could keep your benefits and have some extra time for pictures and editing. :) Just an idea. Your work is great. But as a mommy with a first grader, I know how much I appreciate her teacher and how fabulous she is. First grade is hard and you teachers are so special, especially like you, the ones who really love their kids! Whatever you decide, you will be a success. The best part is that when you really seek God on this, he will direct you and give you peace that you will know could only be from Him. Love you, girl!

Courtney said...

Wow, what a tough decision. I know you will make the right, just follow your heart!

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

3 WORDS....GO FOR IT!!!

I know it is scary, but I think this is the time to make the jump. It is just before the holidays and I think you could make a killing doing christmas card photos alone.........

This is so exciting.....I know you would be extremely successful. You will have to tell us what you decide to do.

xoxo,

Lisa

kerri said...

Follow your heart and your passion..
Hugs Missy. ;)

day by day said...

Wow, Missy!! I am so glad to hear your photography business is doing so well!!! How exciting!!

Maybe you can cut back on how many sessions you accept? Only week-ends or something like that? It would mean people would have to wait longer, but most people would probably be okay with that. Just a thought.

All the best to you as you work through this decision!!!

Michelle R Photography said...

Ooooohhhhh... that's a toughie. Go with your heart. You are gifted either way. If you are passionate about both, I'd probably try to continue both for a while, but limit your photography sessions so you can still edit and have a life. (And sleep!) If you are not feeling fulfilled, then maybe full-time photography is where you need to go. I think you may find that winter slows down on the photography front - most families have just gotten their holiday photos taken and living in the midwest limits the outdoor photography shots. At least that's what this inexperienced opinion of one thinks. ;)

Super Mommy said...

Run with it Missy! You can always fall back on teaching if need be! I wish you were closer, I'd use you for sure, you have talent girl!!

The Byrd's Nest said...

I know others can give you some great advice...I just wanted you to know that I love you and give it to the Lord and He will guide you sweet girl.

Jodee said...

Holy cow! How exciting! I say go for it too providing you can get benefits somewhere on your own!

Lisa and Tate said...

You are talented in photography. Can you do a part time teaching gig and full time photography??? I not, follow your dream. There will always be a need for a good teacher.

Gail said...

Well...I say follow your dreams Missy. You are a young woman and I think you should follow your passion which is photography. You can always go back to teaching anytime.

I'm quite sure you'll be successful!

xo

Sue said...

I think your previous post says it all. : )

As a former teacher I feel your struggle. Those who have the gift to teach feel a very strong pull and can feel a little something missing when you aren't doing it but...when you fill it with something that you are equally enthusiastic about and have a talent for it can be exciting.

Good luck with this decision. : )

3 Peanuts said...

WOW....first congratulations on the photography. That is awesome. I personally am not a risk taker. I have a hard time leaving a secure situation to dive into the unknown...but that is me. I love Kim's advice to give it to the Lord and let him guide you. That cannot fail. I have also read that god lets you know you made the right decision when you fell 100% peace about it.

Best wishes as you face this tough one.

Kim
P.S. Is it easy to get teaching positions there? It is hard here. Here it is really tough to get into a good school and grade so once someone gets the grade of school they like...they stay. Just wondering because if it is easy...that might help your decision.

Kate said...

Okay...I've been in bed with the flu for the past 24 hours...and have been giving this some serious (delerium induced) thought. It is wonderful that your photography business is taking off. Very exciting!!!! After 8 years of marriage, I think my financially prudent husband is rubbing off on me...but my advice at THIS time would be to follow your business through the holidays and the months following while holding on to your teaching. I know this may be tiring...but I feel it might be a good idea to make sure that you cn financially weather any slow times of year. I would say then that if you make it through four seasons and all is okay...go for it! You only live once and it's important to follow your dreams. I think someone else mentioned working part-time. I know my district always has a certain number of half time teachers and maybe that is a good compromise. Will you lose benefits as well? Maybe something else to consider.

I think you are on the right path and I wish you nothing but success and happiness!!!

a Tonggu Momma said...

I think Kate gave some very sound advice. The winter months are usually quite slow in the photography field. It might pay to teach through the end of this school year while tracking your earnings (and how much business you turn away!). I'm just so excited to see that people in your local area have such good taste!

Colleen said...

Missy, I've got it; finish the school year and then take a one year leave of absence. You must follow your dreams; look at the title of your blog! After a year of working on your photography business, you should have a good idea whether you want to continue on or return to teaching. Good luck deciding!

xoxoxo,
Colleen

rgshrs said...

Wow. I am not sure I would want to be in your shoes..to have found not one but two callings and to have to decide between them??? that would be hard in deed. I have no advice, I would be in as much of a dilemma and undecided as you seem to be. LOL. I know you are fabulous at both and will be successful which ever way you turn! Good luck girl!!

Donna said...

What a great problem to have! I tend to be kind of conservative about these things and probably would hesitate to walk away from a steady job (especially one I liked.) My friends who are professional photographers say it can be a challenge making a living from photography - particularly when you're on your own (as opposed to working for an established studio.) But if it's your dream - I know you could make it happen!

Mireille said...

Go follow your heart!

Julia said...

Wow - where have I been. I read your follow up note, and then had to come back and read this one. What an exciting opportunity you're looking at and if your circumstances allow you to take your love of photography to a whole new full-time level, then I'm just thrilled for you. Not sure what others have said yet, but here's my .02 cents... Work through your business for a full calendar year. Any year will come with it's peeks and valley's and you're in a peek right now and will be for at least the next month while people try and get family photos in for the holidays. Continue marketing, and go to photography seminars that include marketing techniques in with photography techniques, both are equally important. I think you're an amazing photographer and just can't wait till you've reached the point of being able to take this leap!