I’ve been working in the banking field for eight years. On the surface I have a nice job: my own work space; restaurants and shops down the stairs from our building; great salary and benefits; and my coworkers are amazing! But, on the inside, it’s been a struggle for me. For SO long I’ve yearned to leave my day job and go full throttle working on my business. However, I know in the real world, it’s just not that easy. It takes a lot of preparation and planning to get to that stage. Bills are still due and rent needs to be paid. For all of those full-time dreamers out there, I’m sure you understand where I’m coming from. Waking up at the crack of dawn to go to a job that’s not your ideal. Sitting at your desk planning, brainstorming, working towards getting to that next step in your business. Skipping lunches so you can get stuff done during your lunch break (the only “free” time you have). Counting down the minutes ’til you can leave for the day, but still coming home to emails, and more work. Turning down sessions, weddings, conferences, workshops, meetings, get-togethers, and more, simply because your work schedule is not flexible enough or at all. Yet, you see other individuals attending the events you’d love to go to. I get it. I’m in the same boat. Even though I’m currently working toward becoming a full time photographer, I’ve learned a lot from working my 9-5 and hustling with my business behind the scenes.

Photo: Manali Photography 

1. I’ve learned that if something is important to you, you’ll find the time. If not, you’ll find an excuse. – I have a 30-45 minute commute to my job everyday-and that’s on a good day! Being in an office for eight hours, especially with limited internet and email access, it gets tough but I always find a way to get things done. I might come home later, eat dinner later, and not have much down time when I finally get to my computer, but I still find a way to edit those sessions, catch up on emails, and work on new ways to make my business grow. If it wasn’t important enough to me, I wouldn’t put in the time and hustle.

2. I’ve learned that same routine every single day is not for me. – If you’re in the creative industry, you’ll probably agree. I used to think that doing the same things day in and day out would be “easier”, or fine. Doing the same things over and over again in my office setting, staring at the computer and typing away, dealing with the same old traffic jams morning and evening. It’s not fun. And it further drove me to learn my next lesson.

3. I’ve learned that it’s OKAY to be open about your dreams. – When I first started at my current job, I would hide the fact that I was a photographer. I would shy away from telling people I take pictures when I’m not working at the bank. Looking back, I’m not sure why!! I guess I was nervous they would think I’m not taking THIS job seriously? That I wouldn’t put my all into the job? I was afraid they could easily let me go because, “oh well..she has other resources..” What I’ve learned is that after I finally opened up to people about my other profession, they were ALL SO SUPPORTIVE! Always asking how my weddings and sessions went; curious about how my business is doing; interested in what new things I’m working on. Heck…my bank has even HIRED me to photograph several events for the company! The response I got was totally unexpected. But it made me feel good to discover that you can work for a company, and it’s okay to have other goals and dreams.

There’s always a silver lining to any situation. Even though I’m currently working toward my goal of becoming a full time photographer, I am thankful for the great job I do have, and all the things I’ve learned about myself along the way.  Maybe you’re currently at a place where you’re unhappy and itching to get out and pursue your passion. Maybe you are happy where you are, but you are unfulfilled regardless. Maybe you’re scared to take the next step because the first one out of your comfort zone is terrifying. Just try to focus on the things you have learned along your journey, take it one day at a time, and make your end goal your number one priority!