I’ve mentioned before that I still work at my 9-5 job while running this photography business. I’ve gotten used to working two full-time jobs since I started this adventure. It’s not easy. I never expected it would be. I’m often asked if I plan to take on photography full time, and I truthfully don’t know. If my full-time gig was a miserable place, it would be a no brainer, but I enjoy what I do.
There is no doubt that I definitely stay busy all of the time. I miss out on get togethers with friends often, and on wedding days I’m gone for majority of the day, taking time away from family. Knowing how to relax with free time isn’t configured in my DNA. I find pride in crossing things off my to-do list, but then quickly fill it up with more things to do. Maybe this sounds familiar?
I currently have no plans of leaving any jobs. Everyone works differently, and by no means is this a flawless way to juggle the day to day, but this is what works for me right now. And this will definitely change down the road. Here are some insights into how I’ve been able to balance both jobs and personal life to the best of my ability.
SMALL GOALS
A small list is mentally more motivating than a long list. I keep a notepad with my ideal weekly goals to complete. Of course, I have hundreds of things to do, but making a feasible list for the week helps to not get overwhelmed. Sometimes, I don’t get everything done, and I’ll carry it over to the following week until I scratch that bugger off the list.
DAY MANAGEMENT
Based on my weekly to-do list, I designate the 2-3 nights I’m going to dedicate to the photography business after dinner with my husband (thankfully, HE loves to cook!). On my off-nights, I try to stay present at home and away from the computer, so I’m giving my family undivided attention. My husband is my biggest supporter, and making time to spend with my family is a necessity. He will always come first before photography, and I can’t loose sight of that.
TIME WASTERS
If you wish there were more hours in a day like I do, I challenge you to log for a week what you spend your time on to target your “time wasters.” This can be a scary project. How many hours (yes, hours!) do you spend on social media when you aren’t doing it for your business? Is it just me?? Or how many hours of television do you watch a week? ‘Law & Order’ binges, anyone? If you find that you’re wasting hours on non-important things, you may have stumbled upon a gold mine of time that can be used more effectively. Can you replace that time with updating your website like you’ve been meaning to do for months?
Nobody’s perfect.. This is my daily distraction. Can you blame me?
ACCEPTING ‘NO’
This is a biggie. During my first year of being in business, I had so much to learn (still do!). I took every opportunity I had to practice, second shoot weddings, assist other photographers, and build relationships to gain confidence when going to shoots. In the very beginning, I said ‘yes’ to everything that came my way. My husband even encouraged me to do so. I think it’s a grind that everyone goes through when trying to gain experience.
I still have a lot to learn, but I’m more comfortable with saying ‘no.’ I never want to regret not spending more time with the people that make me a happy person. Now if a last minute photography job pops up, I have to evaluate if the extra job/money is worth my time, and if could it potentially lead to something great in the future. Otherwise, my pile of laundry isn’t going to sit another day because clean undies and socks make me happy too.
AUTOMATION
Time is a reoccurring theme throughout this post! If you find yourself doing things on repeat, chances are, there’s an easier solution. I use the business tool 17Hats to help organize invoices, contracts, workflows, and email templates among other things. It takes some time upfront to setup, but I can’t express how much time it’s saved me long term. The best thing about it? It’s not expensive at all!
This is how I’ve been living life for the last couple of years. It isn’t glamorous, and I’ve worked really hard to get to a steady and organized point in my business. As my priorities shift, the way I tackle the day to day will definitely change. For now, no one has taken out my batteries, so I’m going to just keep on going!
Photos by Angie Webb Creative