Hey there! I am Heather. A Richmond local and Sugar Shack Donut enthusiast. This is my little home where I write about long lasting love, foodie locations you HAVE to visit, renovations, and DIY projects. 

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July 27, 2015

Working Full Time and Owning a Business

I LOVE being a wedding photographer in the Richmond, Virginia area. Why? Because I have an amazing community of photographer & creatives that ask questions. Recently in our groups we have been talking about working full time jobs versus going full time with our business. This is something I have written about before. Now that I am 2 years out of college, working a full time job, a business owner, and living on my own I realize how important my full time job is. I always want to tell you guys that I have it all together and I blog regularly. I want to tell you that my system is full proof and everything always gets done exactly when I had planned. The truth is…it doesn’t. This blog is about me being honest to you and myself. I don’t want to hide and seem like I always “have it all together” because if you know me…that’s NOT me. I am the girl that has a ton of energy, lots of crazy cool ideas, and strives to make people laugh. I adore my family and love to travel. I am a business woman…I am still learning so many amazing ways to improve my business. There recently has been talk between photographers asking if having a full time job is a good idea or if you should focus your time on your business. Here are my thoughts (This is my personal experience!)

PROS of having a Full Time job

  • A consistent paycheck. This allows me to pay personal bills and business expenses. You may think this is a DUH moment but it’s important to realize that your growing business needs a consistent cash flow. I strive to not put pressure on my business so that it can grow! I will be honest, it has been slow growth BUT steady. I have been able to upgrade my gear and go to conferences without having to depend on my business income.
  • Socialization. You may think this is silly but it is VERY important for you to have a group of people to socialize with. I go to work every day and talk to amazing people! This keeps me focused on my full time job and gives me time away from my business. This helps me SO much. I come home ready to face the problems I would have been frustrated with.
  • Motivation. I noticed that when I worked a part time job that I took advantage of the free time that I had. I would sleep in until 9 or 10 A.M. versus getting up and blogging or being a business woman. I would put fun things before my business and realized I was NOT focused on being the best I could be. I gave myself an inch and took a mile!

CONS of having a Full Time job

  • 40 hours a week. This is a big commitment to focus on another job. I could play devil’s advocate all day long. This obviously takes me away from my business where I could blog, take pictures, or pay attention to the business aspect.
  • Personal Time. I have to squeeze sessions and weddings on the weekend because I work Monday through Friday. This means less time for my personal life. I try to spend 20-30 hours a week on my business WITH a full time job. This also means I am working 60-70 hours a week which means that I get cranky…sorry Ben!

Most of the time, I manage and having a full time job allows me to grow in my business. I think everything has it’s pros and cons but having a full time job allows me to do what I love. Thankfully my full time job is AMAZING with really wonderful people. They support me and love that I am a wedding photographer. I hope this helps to all who are considering going full time with their business or having a full time job.

-Heather

(P.S. I love these new head shots by Kathryn Ivy Photography!)

View More: http://kathrynivyphotography.pass.us/pusuitladiesheadshots View More: http://kathrynivyphotography.pass.us/pusuitladiesheadshots View More: http://kathrynivyphotography.pass.us/pusuitladiesheadshots

  1. Delly says:

    If I were a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, now I’d say “Kuaabongw, dude!”

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