A career change late in life?

A career change late in life? – can you do it, just like that?

YES! I did it! But don't get wet without sweaty palms!

Not only did I have to drop a steady paycheck, I also totally changed direction! 

"From Office Chair to Camera" could be the title of my fictional book 😉 I spent over 20 years as an office worker in various companies and by chance became a photographer... and that's not even a lie! By god it was quite random. The meeting with the photograph started a fire in me, which 10 years later was to prove not to have been extinguished yet – probably more even wilder than before!

At the time, I was 37 years old with bank loans, financial crisis debt after a house sale and divorce, all in all just an "adult life" with all that comes with responsibility and bank loans.... 

What I ALSO had: I had found my passion – just think… finding what you are passionate about!! Not many people get to experience that in a lifetime, so even there I was a lucky potato! 

It was quickly very clear that I had to follow my new creative passion and improve my skills - I did a LOT of tests.... trial and error! There is also a lot of value in this and I took quantum leaps in my knowledge and it was clear to see the difference from before to now....

Being with a man (boyfriend at the time, now we're married) who supports me 100000% is something I thank the heavens for often! He paved the way for me mentally - where I myself saw obstacles, he had the ice in his stomach and more faith in me than I had myself.... He is always understanding when I have to work at crazy times or answer emails in the middle of the Sunday movie …. uhhh I've shot the parrot here!

How did I do it then…. so the career changed in a U-turn!?

One step at a time!!

I started by going down 1 day per week and dedicating that day to photography - along with afternoons and weekends.... and funnily enough I noticed: the more focus - the more customers!! So suddenly I had my one weekly office-free day, fully booked in the studio! And here I went thinking I wouldn't be able to attract enough customers to make a living from it...

My mindset changed…. If I can do this in ONE day a week…. What happens if I have SEVEN days??

Rome wasn't built in a day and I'm certainly not saying you should give up everything and just jump! YOU have to do what YOU think is right for YOU!! It could be running a part-time job on the side, saving up so you have secured your salary for a period of time or WHATEVER you think suits you.

For me: I quit my job… anxiety in my stomach I quit my permanent job!! after 3-4 years as a hobby photographer (still paid but as B-income) I quit my safe salary,…. without knowing what would happen…. It is now 6 years ago…. and my best advice is: ICE in the stomach, Save up in the meantime, because not all months are top dollar, AND most importantly: BELIEVE IN YOU!!! You must dare dare! Because if YOU don't - why should others believe you?

You won't come to it sleeping - but I think you know that too! It's blood, sweat and tears, but when you love what you do, missed days are eliminated! I think it is TOTALLY worth it! I hope I will never do anything other than what I love and I will work hard to remain my own boss until the day I retire 😉

If you have the same considerations - regardless of whether it's within photography or something else entirely... then I'll help you with all the knowledge I've gathered over time! You are welcome to send me an email with simple questions or possibly look at my mentor solutions HERE then we will find a setup that fits EXACTLY your situation and needs!

I look forward to hearing from you! 

DO IT! Take the plunge!