I think we get caught up in doing things in a certain order. When I was a kid I always thought I'd be married with kids by now. But that's not how it worked. I've spent a lot of time travelling and living overseas which I never thought I wanted to do. I think the key is to make yourself open to opportunities and to take opportunities that come. It's amazing what is out there. I lived and worked in both Japan and Chile and I never paid for my flights to either country and had a job and accomodations arranged for when I arrived. Pretty nice. And it never ever crossed my mind to do that before.
life?
- Thread starter BassetLover**
- Start date
It doesn't matter what your age is, I think we all more out of life. I always made my kids my top priority, I never went for the career thing, now they are grown and I'm ready to do something more. I'm 43 (which may seem like old to some of you) but to me, I still feel the same as when I was 20. I look forward to my next chapter in life. I will never regret being "there" for my kids.
Not sure if this helps but check out your local FE colleges. When I was in the UK our local college did photography courses that were pretty flexible, so you could fit them in around a job / family. Funny, I was having a similar discussion with my sister only yesterday, I only know two people who are really happy with their jobs back home, everyone else just seems to put up with work. At the moment I've given up on the career in favour of lifestyle but I wonder too, will I regret it later on? I think if you've got dreams about what you'd like to do then that's a good start - and never forget how much you have achieved already.
It's hard for us to try to enjoy our lives for what we have and not what we don't have. I thought when I was younger that I'd be married for ever and have a family; well, I got divorced after 20 years and never had children. I have a good man now and lots of pets (my children) whom I love. I still wish I had things or did things like everyone else, but if we didn't have wants, it would be a dull life. As I've lost members of my family, reality sets in that there's more to life but I need to enjoy where I'm at & what I have because tomorrow may never come. So I might not have a million dollars, big house, fancy cars, etc., but my health is good, I have a roof over my head, a reliable car, and my family.
Basset, the best way to become a working photographer is to work for one. See if you can't get a job - part time if necessary - with a professional photographer who would be willing to teach you. That way you not only learn about taking good photographs and the different equipment you need for different kinds of photos, but you'll learn how to make a living taking pictures.
Even one of those portrait mills is a starting point.
And when it's time to start buying equipment, there are all sorts of sources for used equipment that is relatively affordable. Maybe down the road you can use your knowledge and connections from working at the racing stables to specialize in equine photography.
Now, as to feeling like your life is out of your hands . . . well, I'm not so sure anyone ever has any real control. We take the cards we get dealt - sometimes we're expecting to get a King and we get a five or a Jack . . . or a Joker. And you have to bear in mind that there are only four Aces in the deck. And sometimes the wild cards you get dealt are your greatest opportunities.
Even one of those portrait mills is a starting point.
And when it's time to start buying equipment, there are all sorts of sources for used equipment that is relatively affordable. Maybe down the road you can use your knowledge and connections from working at the racing stables to specialize in equine photography.
Now, as to feeling like your life is out of your hands . . . well, I'm not so sure anyone ever has any real control. We take the cards we get dealt - sometimes we're expecting to get a King and we get a five or a Jack . . . or a Joker. And you have to bear in mind that there are only four Aces in the deck. And sometimes the wild cards you get dealt are your greatest opportunities.
wow, I swore I was the ONLY person my age that felt like this! I went from being my daddy's little girl to someones girlfriend, to someones ex girlfriend to someones girlfriend to someones fiance and wife. I always "belonged" to someone, from 10th grade on up. I dated 2 guys, the second one is my loving husband. We were engaged after 6 months, 1 month after I graduated highschool. Married 1 year later. 2 years later I am "mom" to 6 juvinille delinquent boys. Well, we're leaving here in 2 months and I am back to being Tim's wife, just us and Sunny. I'm happy about the decision, really happy for the first time in a while. But as much as I treasure every experience, every memory I have made with Tim, I still feel like I missed out a bunch on single girl stuff. Though I am sure I would be lementing the fact I was 23 and unmarried by now if things hadn't happed as they did. 
I actually had a chance to get my paramedic training, but twice I tried and for various reasons twice it didn't happen. So I sit here worrying about the future. Tim has a good job that in 1 year we are going to leave, move to Texas and Tim is going to finish his mechanical engineering degree. But where does that leave me? Finding jobs that pay the bills, jobs I may or may not like. But you know what? I love my husband and I know that this means the world to him and can greatly impact what happens with our family in the future. As it sits now no babies are due to enter my life as much as I willingly would caox them.(have to say I am having fun trying ) I find comfort in the fact that if I am destined to be "only" a wife and mother, I am going to do my best to be the greatest of both that I can be. If I am never a mother to my "own" children there are thousands of lost little souls that can use me. That's my purpose, and I find contentment and happieness in that. You have Ellie and Serge, Bassetlover, and everyone else has the ones they love, even if it is their doggies. There is no shame in loving to the fullest capacity and having that as your job. Do everything else in your life based on that . Work in the mundane story because Ellie needs clothes, and Serge and you need a house, and you love both of them so much it doesn't matter how much it sucks to work for a snarky mother in law. I know that's not the "point" of what you are saying. If you think you can, you can accomplish anything. Don't ever settle. But remember there is honor and blessing in what you do. If you do decide to persue photography,you have your little angel Ellie to practice on.
I actually had a chance to get my paramedic training, but twice I tried and for various reasons twice it didn't happen. So I sit here worrying about the future. Tim has a good job that in 1 year we are going to leave, move to Texas and Tim is going to finish his mechanical engineering degree. But where does that leave me? Finding jobs that pay the bills, jobs I may or may not like. But you know what? I love my husband and I know that this means the world to him and can greatly impact what happens with our family in the future. As it sits now no babies are due to enter my life as much as I willingly would caox them.(have to say I am having fun trying ) I find comfort in the fact that if I am destined to be "only" a wife and mother, I am going to do my best to be the greatest of both that I can be. If I am never a mother to my "own" children there are thousands of lost little souls that can use me. That's my purpose, and I find contentment and happieness in that. You have Ellie and Serge, Bassetlover, and everyone else has the ones they love, even if it is their doggies. There is no shame in loving to the fullest capacity and having that as your job. Do everything else in your life based on that . Work in the mundane story because Ellie needs clothes, and Serge and you need a house, and you love both of them so much it doesn't matter how much it sucks to work for a snarky mother in law. I know that's not the "point" of what you are saying. If you think you can, you can accomplish anything. Don't ever settle. But remember there is honor and blessing in what you do. If you do decide to persue photography,you have your little angel Ellie to practice on.