Things have really been quiet around here lately. I apologize for not keeping up with the posting (and emails) as I have been busy with project deadlines and preparing for my final exams. I’m on my last 2 weeks as an undergraduate and the dismal job market has really been weighing heavily on my mind lately. I have no idea whatsoever on where I should be heading next, much less the kind of jobs that I’m looking for.
My diverse interests and capabilities suddenly seem more like handicaps. It would be optimal if I could find something that allows me to do what I like, while providing the required intellectual stimulation that I crave for. However, I’m unable to narrow down what I really want to do with this thing called life. Perhaps it’s a sign of commitment phobia. Also, I haven’t been getting any calls from the many firms that I applied to. Would anyone of you be interested in hiring me?
I do want to make something out of this degree that I strived four years for. Yet at the same time, the doldrums of a stifling corporate life is…well, suffocating. (Although it would be great to put my skills and brains to work.) Going full-time as a photographer is a fine choice, yet would I survive?
While I stand at the top of the hill surveying the endless paths ahead, I can’t help feeling frightened and confused (like everybody else). There won’t be straight answers and I can only go on one path. There are just so many things that I want to accomplish (and need, like money). It’s ironic how having a map (aka destiny) would be extremely helpful yet it would totally remove the excitement of living.
With that said, if you haven’t been reading about Colin Pantall’s How Not to Photograph, shame on you. I think I’m gonna throw away my entire series on dead birds.
5 Comments
Interesting, I have been going through the same dilemma. I recently chose to take a corporate web design job again, temporarily, instead of taking a photography job that I knew wasn’t for me. I don’t mind doing what I have to do to stay afloat during down times and will do whatever it takes to pay the bills but… not with my photography. Very careful not to do anything that will taint what I love.
So for now… My photo business is nights and weekends but only for now.
Best of luck and keep the blogs coming,
Brent
http://luckypinup.blogspot.com/
Eh, it’s a hard choice, isn’t it. I managed to combibne the best of both worlds; a job I love and find challenging, stimulating and useful, and photography on the side. But it took me 15 years of hunting and trial and error and crap jobs to pull it off.
Sometimes we can’t make the perfect decision straight of – but we need to make one we know we can live with, at least until we can change it.
Good luck; I hope you get plenty of offers to choose from.
i want to tell you that you are not alone. i came to japan to become a movie direcyor and photographer and i after i graduated school this year in tokyo i stumbled on the same problrm. i realized that there is no decided way to become a photographer, but i found out that people who don’t give up reach the goal someday. dream takes selfless work somr time, it takes strong determination and vision of the goal. what you actually want to do is the is the most important.
i wish you success and never ending determination.
Always a tough choice. I’d have to agree with Tim. If you stay committed, you will eventually find the right opportunity. Determination is crucial because there will always be a struggle to do what you love. Also try as many different things as possible. The more you try, the more you will be able to understand where you want to go.
dear friends, thank you for all the helpful advice. i guess that when faced with the reality of life, one must actually live it before knowing if it’s the right choice. so much for stumbling around in the darkness!!