A few months ago, NPAC (the News Photographers Association of Canada) featured me, here. An interview with some front pages like this:
Special to the Oakville Beaver/Michael Willems
But one question I was asked stuck with me. They asked for advice about being a photographer.
To me that is a metaphor for “doing with your life what you want to do with it”. So when I addressed a University of Toronto ball last night as keynote speaker, this is one of the things that came to my mind. Do what you want: try to find a way even when it is difficult.
This is the answer I gave NPAC:
I could sound cliché and say; “Don’t”, or “keep your day job”. But in fact it is the opposite: “go for it” was much better advice. When I went full time into photography I went down in income by, oh, 85%. But I went up in life enjoyment by about 500%. And although I now work 7 days a week (I shoot, and then evenings and weekends I teach, both at Henry’s and at my own outfit, www.cameratraining.ca, where I train pros), at least I can sleep in every day – I get up at 8-8:30 am. When we say things like “don’t”, we need to keep all aspects of the decision in mind. Not just money.
Well Michael, yet another inspirational statement. I’m currently reading ‘Your Money: The Missing Manual” from O’Reilly, and it says something quite similar. The money is only a small influence on happiness. Emotional capital is what really pays off; doing what you love, and loving what you do.
I’m not quite willing to jump without a net, but the net is almost in place. It’s great to hear about people who have successfully taken that leap of faith.
I agree with that manual statement. Getting up at 9am, making your own decisions, being creative: all important and all worth money.
Yes, a safety net is important also, which is why we have careers in stages. If we are lucky we get three stages:
1. Make money
2. Get power
3. Do what you want
So on to stage three..!
Well said, Michael. I especially with you when you say to try yo find a way even though it may be difficult.
Mark
Of course, I forgot to include the word “agree” between “especially” and “with”.
Of course!