I am coming up on the anniversary of my farewell to corporate cubicle life. This year has been both glorious and gut wrenching at times, and I’ve learned some things about being a full-time wedding photographer and solopreneur that have truly surprised me.
I have a Master’s Degree in Forensic Law and spent the previous ten years of my life inside of a government building tucked neatly and securely within a cubicle. I quite literally shook with fear as I turned in my resignation letter although it had been long planned and expected. The act of giving up the only security I had ever known and worked towards was overwhelming. I soon found that although it was great to work in yoga pants—many things about working for myself are nothing like what I expected.
1. Momentum is a two-way street.
When you get going nothing feels better, but when you hit a low point it is hard to overcome the negative momentum. As someone that was used to being a team member, working alone is more difficult than I imagined. Not only can you be lonely, but also the ability of a co-worker to snap you out of a funk is gone. Having lunch and discussing the day’s frustrations isn’t an everyday occurrence and brainstorming sessions become virtual instead of personal.
2. Comparison really IS the thief of joy.
Because we are all sitting separately on our own staring into the depths of the internet, it is easy to only notice the high points of someone else’s business. Facebook and Instagram are for the most part highly curated to show only the pretty. We are not privy to the struggle that is much more evident when you see the day-to-day.
3. Time seemingly disappears.
I thought once I was free from the 40-hour day job and daily commute I would be swimming in “extra” time. I’ve never been more wrong about something in my life! There are school activities and car-pools and laundry that never ends. While I no longer stay up until 1 a.m. every morning trying to catch up on my editing; I have found that the pressure to earn a full-time salary from this one source requires much more than the occasional blog post and lackluster marketing.
4. There is something to be said for payroll security.
While working for someone else, or “the man,” might be a dream killer it does have its perks. Not having to worry about where the money is coming from every month is something I will no longer take for granted. Life as an entrepreneur is a perpetual job interview with every email and client meeting directly affecting my bottom line. Being the source of my own income is my biggest pressure point and the thing that most often keeps me awake at night.
5. Freedom is a motivating force.
I have two children and for the first years of their lives the only mother they’ve known was one that spent 12 hours away from the house and the evening hours behind a computer screen. Being able to be class mom, carpool and field trips has brought so much joy back into my life and into my little ones’ hearts. Even the worst day; the day that includes self-doubt, uncertainty and tears of frustration, is better than my best day in a cubicle.
All Photographs © Sunshower Photography
Your photos are gorgeous! So great that you found a balance that works for you, even if it’s scary sometimes 🙂
Love this! Thank you!
This is great! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for the insight! I always imagine there would be so much more time if I weren’t working a full-time job. 😉 Congrats on your first year!
I’m coming up on my 1 year anniversary of taking my business full time as well. I couldn’t agree more with your points – each one is so true!