I am currently working full-time as an engineer. I've been in the field for over 8 1/2 years, and I do like what I do and I am good at it. It just isn't a job that I can do part-time or easily work from home. My son is about to turn a year old. I am working towards being a full-time stay at home mom, but I will still have to have some income coming in for our family to keep growing (we want another baby in the near future) and to keep our family okay financially. Where I am going with this is that I have started the path towards having a photography company. I have been an "amateur" photography since college, mostly landscapes, and some portraits. With a baby in the house, I re-realized how much I truly love photography and decided I wanted to work towards this as my new career. I have a website up, and I am ever so slowly working towards getting projects out there and get work going. It's hard to get this going with a little one and a full time job, but I am trying to fit it in. I am nervous/scared about this new change for many reasons. Is there anyone out there with similar experience of starting a new career/self-employment, who can provide me some support, encouraging words, advice, etc. to help me get past this fear?
thank you for all the support and advice. i'm still working full time at my "day job" but have started more advertising and getting portrait sessions. my goal is to keep moving forward, keep growing, and be a full time WAHM within 3 years (when little guy starts kindergarden). thank you again!
betsymccormick.com
:-)
Hi B.!!!
Kudos to you. Believe me change is not easy. I had a similar experience. It was hard at first, but if this is somerhing that is destined for you it will unfold and happened. Just remember that the obstacles will wear you out. You have to be strong. What got me (and gets me) through situations is spirituality and prayer.
I am self-employed and you want to look for a business that people need. Photography is great and I am sure you are great at it - but how many people really need the service and look at the competition that is in place now.
Also having your own business is wonderful as long as your time management is in place.
If you have anny other question - let me know.
God Bless,
A.
Everyone fears change, it is normal. You will find that simply by doing and acting and taking the necessary steps, in other words by ignoring the fears and moving forward, you will no longer have the fears. You will get up one day and suddenly realize, no more fear!!
The secret with fear is to not let it paralyze you. Just anazlye it and make sure that it is ungrounded, and then ignore it and move forward.
By the way, I wanted to see your website and I looked up your profile, but it wasn't there!!!!!!!!! If you put up your website in every profile, every email, every time you make or receive contact, then pretty soon people will be knocking down your doors with business ;-) Even if the initial recipient of your web address isn't interested, it is likely that they will have friends/acquaintances who might be!!
This isn't advice on starting a business, but on transitioning to become a stay-at-home mom. If you don't already do this, take some time to start keeping track of where ALL of your money goes. Go back at least 2 months and look at the bills you paid as well as your credit card and checking statements to see where your money is going. Figure out where you can cut corners and what you can live without. If you can find ways to cut back a few dollars here and there you will be amazed at how much money you can save over a year's time. For example, do you really need all of the extra features on your home phone-- and what about your cell phone plan? Most companies will let you change your plan while you are within your contract period-- the trick is to call as if you are planning to switch companies and sometimes they will give you the features you want at a cheaper rate or do a percentage discount overall on your plan. Do you eat out more than you need to? Do you spend money here and there carelessly on fast food and/or coffee? Anyway... cut back where ever you can and while you're working go ahead and set that money aside that you are saving-- open a money market account and pay yourself every month and then try not to touch that money until you need it. Good luck!!
Good for you B.! You are learning to use your God given talents as a way to bring added financial support to your family. It is so important that every member of the family utilizes their talents to make ends meet. This will be an enjoyable way to exercise your desires and work around your growing family. It is very scary to start a business, but you will definitely find a way and it will all fall into place. I used to work for a private counseling firm and I eventually went out on my own. I wish you many blessings in your new endeavors. YOU CAN DO IT!
