I am putting my two weeks in....

[monique_evette]

And going full time!. Guys, I am sooo nervous, my heart is racing at just the very thought of it. I feel like I am about to go on stage in front of millions of people (and I hate being the center of attention)! But I had a long talk with friends my significant other and we all agree that it is now or never, and I have too many "what if" in my life to add one more to the list.

I know I should be excited because this is all I have ever wanted. I never knew what I wanted to do until I picked up a camera. But I am risking alot - I mean I don't have kids or a mortgage, but I am at that stage that I am trying to grow and build my assets. Terry and I need a car, in a year or so would love to purchase a house, get married, etc.

Ugh, I have soo much work to do from refining my marketing plan, well actually just developing one since I have never advertised. Basically everything needs a overhaul. So much work...

Further, its not like I have clients just lined up at the door either (hahahaha, that sounds bad), I am just saying that no one in my area hardly knows my services exist. I mean I do have several weddings booked at the end of the year and have second shooting jobs lined up, but I will need more than that to survive this year. Terry's income only pays for the bills, I guess its good we at least have that covered, but thats only if we have NO surprises. And there are always surprises! The accounting firm I work for has kept me so busy that it was hard to do everything I wanted to do for my business. Time has always been a factor, and the business I do get has been strictly from word of mouth. I just feel, and correct me if I am wrong, that in order to build a business you have to put that much and more effort into doing so.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with all of you and hope to get some of your thoughts and experiences (good or bad). TPF is amazing! I love you all! I have grown soo much because of you and have made some really great friends! So, as friends, its time to tell it as it is. Some of you have seen my work, am I ready? I know creating photographs is only a small portion of running a successful business, but without a solid product there is not business. I know all the legal mumbo jumbo I have to do, and other business aspects I need to do, I am just worried about the product I have to offer.

I am my worst critic...

[AndrewCCM]

Wish you the best of luck!

Wish I could do such a venture, but that would lead me to divorce. :)

[Casper]

Good luck Monique, I think you are ready and will do well. You have the advantage of your business experience which puts you a couple of steps ahead.

Steve

[CaptainTom]

Good Luck Monique
Just be aware that there will be a roller coaster ride every day from now on.
Enjoy the highs, and shake off the lows.

[LDB]

Best of luck and don't let the initial Murphy's get to you too much.

[toverman]

Good luck!

Working for yourself means no real days off. If I'm not working, I'm thinking about working. Or planning to work. Or recovering from work. Or planning to get more work. Or ...

[ngoduyviet]

Good luck! and congratz, I'm sure you'll do well.

Coincidentally, I'm also giving my 2 weeks to my current employer, but pursueing a different career path, not 100% shooting yet...one day, one day I'll have the courage to do that

[PhotosbyHollyWood]

Well congrats and GOOD luck!

this will be a fun adventure as they said ups and down for at least the first year..
but just remember as they said shake the lows and enjoys the highs!!

[barP]

monique, you have a good eye and good creative instincts to go along with obvious shooting and processing skills. i'm also glad to see you have reasonable pricing - as in your cheapest package is still more than $1000. you appear to have all the right tools, so have faith in yourself and go be great!

wp.

[stargal01]

That's exciting!!

[tab]

Congratulations!! I wish I could take that step, I know I'm not ready yet though! I know what you mean about working full time and trying to get a business going, it's tough.. even more so when you have a kid, but for me the sacrifices are small compared to the joy of doing something I love.

[Daniel Bates]

Best of luck!

[monique_evette]

Thanks everyone for the "best of luck" wishes, I know I am going to need it!

[R & J Photography]

Originally Posted by monique_evette

And going full time!. Guys, I am sooo nervous, my heart is racing at just the very thought of it. I feel like I am about to go on stage in front of millions of people (and I hate being the center of attention)! But I had a long talk with friends my significant other and we all agree that it is now or never, and I have too many "what if" in my life to add one more to the list.

I know I should be excited because this is all I have ever wanted. I never knew what I wanted to do until I picked up a camera. But I am risking alot - I mean I don't have kids or a mortgage, but I am at that stage that I am trying to grow and build my assets. Terry and I need a car, in a year or so would love to purchase a house, get married, etc.

Ugh, I have soo much work to do from refining my marketing plan, well actually just developing one since I have never advertised. Basically everything needs a overhaul. So much work...

Further, its not like I have clients just lined up at the door either (hahahaha, that sounds bad), I am just saying that no one in my area hardly knows my services exist. I mean I do have several weddings booked at the end of the year and have second shooting jobs lined up, but I will need more than that to survive this year. Terry's income only pays for the bills, I guess its good we at least have that covered, but thats only if we have NO surprises. And there are always surprises! The accounting firm I work for has kept me so busy that it was hard to do everything I wanted to do for my business. Time has always been a factor, and the business I do get has been strictly from word of mouth. I just feel, and correct me if I am wrong, that in order to build a business you have to put that much and more effort into doing so.

Anyway, I just wanted to share this with all of you and hope to get some of your thoughts and experiences (good or bad). TPF is amazing! I love you all! I have grown soo much because of you and have made some really great friends! So, as friends, its time to tell it as it is. Some of you have seen my work, am I ready? I know creating photographs is only a small portion of running a successful business, but without a solid product there is not business. I know all the legal mumbo jumbo I have to do, and other business aspects I need to do, I am just worried about the product I have to offer.

I am my worst critic...

Best of luck to you... We have watched you grow... I think you'll do just fine... as the others have said... it has it good sides and bad sides... enjoy the "good" and let the bad stuff go... LIVE, LOVE, and LEARN... You'll make it!!! We are just down the street if you ever need ANYTHING!!!

[monique_evette]

Thanks again everyone for the nice remarks. I told my boss this morning... it was hard. I have never quit a job before, but I am really excited (and scared) to see what the days ahead have in stored for me (hopefully its not going back to an 8-5 desk job)