What am I to do? I have three things I really want to do but that each would require the majority if not all of my free time. I really seriously need some other opinion so please don't bounce away. Leave a comment!
Each of these things are things I'm passionate about but because I don't have time to commit to all three I find myself at a stand still. Which ever one I pick I want to do it whole heartedly and leave the others behind, atleast for now.
Photography
Writing my book
Family History
Photography-
I absolutely love taking pictures and have for my whole life. In the last couple years I have done a little in the way of starting my own business so to speak, being paid for several photo shoots. I spent almost all of last week redoing my photography blog and doing the best with that that I could considering my resources. But even still I'm hesitant to start advertising myself again and moving forward with it. I feel like if that's really what I want to do then I need to improve my equipment and get a real indoor shooting space, or atleast better the one I have. I don't feel like with where I'm at right now I can raise my prices at all to make these shoots and subsequent editing worth it. I might add that here in Rexburg the market is SO saturated with people building their portfolios(free!) or doing it for so cheap I have been discouraged from doing photography at all. But I LOVE it.
Writing my book-
Yes, I am writing a book and have been for about 5 1/2 years now. haha, I know, long time right? It's because I haven't decided to commit my time to it 100%. I am really excited about what I have and have so many more ideas and I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to publish it some day. But I can't help wondering if this really is a good way to spend my time. After all, who knows if I ever will get published, let alone make money off of it. Is this just me being selfish? ah!
Family History-
I have been meaning to get into this for quite some time now. I feel like this is really something I should be doing. I have yet to do it at all though and I don't even really know how. I feel like this is the least selfish way to spend my time, but won't help us out financially at all.
But then what about creating like Elder Holland talked about? I want to create something that did not exist before! But maybe these things I want to do are so time consuming it goes over the top from what he meant? I am just so stumped. Sorry, I normally don't put more personal things on here but I really need some other opinions!
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11 comments:
I love that you have such a drive to do so many wonderful things! I will just put in my two bits :) First as a Mom (of only one, but soon to be two) I know it is important to take time to do something that interests you and builds you as a person. But I think only you can say what that is... For me I have gotten back into family history after not doing it for about a year or more. And I have to tell you the New Family History Search is sooooo great! So much easier to use, understand and navigate through. You should really check it out! :) Before you decide :) https://new.familysearch.org/en/action/unsec/welcome
So, I considered your dilemma... I don't know if what I have to say will make a difference, but we'll see. In regards to photography: I think that when you dedicate yourself to this one you might want to be in a place where you will be for a while. Since you may be moving soon, doing a lot of work to advertise and such may not be the best use of time. And since the market is so saturated it might be good to focus on something else. I love family history and personally don't do it enough. It is definitely addicting when you get into it, so watch out :) I wonder if you couldn't go back and forth between whatever brings you the most joy at the moment. I think that it's a difficult decision to make as to how to spend your free time, but I think as long as you are pursuing something worthwhile, it'll be a good thing, whatever you choose.
I say do a little bit of everything. :) I know I am no help. Seems like it could work though.
I agree with Hilary and the photography. But, when you get to where you are moving you should pick it up again, you do very good work!! The other two are difficult. Kevin has been wanting to write a book as well, so part of me says to do that. I also understand the importance of doing family history, and if you have that drive, you should probably do it. Cause, not everyone has that drive. In fact it may be someone pushing you to do it.
You could write a book about you or someone close to you and it would be like your doing your own family history.
With how talented you are, don't give up on the photography! Just put it on hold for now. The other two are a toss up.
Good luck!
I love it when my family blog friends delve into the personal! Here's my two cents based on my experience: Last year (maybe August), Tim encouraged me to respond to an ad for part-time writers for a local newspaper. I was nervous and thought of all these reasons why it might not work with my schedule, kids, etc. Turns out that they gave me a chance, liked my style, gave me a regular column, and I write 2 articles regularly each week. It's time consuming to get interviews in and it doesn't really pay enough to make it "worth it," but I LOVE getting my work out there, the experience of it all, and being published. This is part of the reason I started blogging more often and more seriously - to also hone my writing skills. I want daily practice at writing because it has always been my dream to be published. So, my advise is to not look at obstacles - but opportunities. Can you use every day photography and family photography and your blog to practice and showcase your talent? Can you do family history and use what you find to write family accounts and keep up your writing? I know this doesn't solve your problem, but I wanted to let you know that Heavenly Father will bless you as you pursue your talents and prioritize your family. :0) It's challenging, but worth it.
I feel the same way. Photography takes the most risk, because there is probably more cost involved. But that's the one that I would want to do the most if I had no fear. And since this is your life, not mine, I say go with photography. You won't be in Rexburg your whole life, mostly likely anyway, and there are other markets out there to prepare yourself for.
Personally, I think family history sounds best out of the three. With photography, I agree on what people have said, you should wait until you have a permanent place to call home. A book, you can persue at anytime of your life. Like when your kids are all grown up. Family history work you can do anytime of the day. I know a mom who does family history work and she has really young children. Plus it will benefit your family in the future.
I totally know what you mean. I haven't gotten to touch my book forever...and it's hard to start in again because I feel it's something I need lots of time and focus for, not just a few minutes here and there.... and Same with family history. I keep really wanting to get into that, and just keep putting it off, knowing I'll need big chunks of time. I don't know how to fit these things in when I don't even have enough time for myself to take a shower every day! If you figure out some trick let me know, because being Mom and taking care of everything at Home is taking up all my time, and soon I'll have a babay, and I'm going, how will I have time for 2 of them?! At least you've got that part down!
Thanks for sharing. I'll try to help, but it really comes down to what you want. I was thinking you could use your awesome photography skills on your kids (which I am sure you do a ton of) and you can do family history by keeping up with books of them (which you probably already do). I love making digital books and I really feel that is a form of family history. Just a though! This is stuff you probably already do.
First of all, I don't know how you can manage to get anything done with those 3 kids! You must be superwoman or something.
I have a feeling this is going to be long, so brace yourself. And I'm going to disagree with some of your previous commenters and say shelve the family history for now. I know you and I know how important photography and your book is to you. You don't want to write about family history (at least not right now), you want to write your novel. You've been talking about it forever. And from this post I can tell you are passionate about it. You didn't seem to have as much passion when you mentioned doing family history. I'm not saying you shouldn't do that ever, it just seems like writing would bring you more joy. Go back and read this post you wrote- you want to write the book. Who cares if it's the more "selfish" choice. That's what a hobby is! Something that you like to do for you that will make you happy.
As for photography, I agree that waiting to move and be settled to make the big step into expanding your business is a good idea. But I wouldn't completely put it on hold. Still practice your skills, develop your eye, do shoots when you can. Maybe start putting a few dollars away each month towards new equipment so when you're ready to make your move you have some funds to work with.
Well, I'll shut up now. But that's my two cents.
I agree- you're superwoman. It's amazing that you can take care of 3 kids, your husband, and yourself, and still have so many awesome talents and pursuits. I think it's important to still pursue your interests and goals, and I need to find something like that myself. I don't really even know what I want to do. It's wonderful that you have three things!!
I agree, photography is really expensive and the market is REALLY saturated in Rexburg. I think it would be awesome to write a book. And you know, even if it's never published- how many people can say they wrote a book?! And you'd still have it to share with family and friends. Not to mention a major personal success.
Thanks for your comment on my blog. It's nice to know people, other than family, still read my blog. :) Sorry you're stuck in the snow- I'll try to enjoy the sun extra for you. And yep- I freaked out what Enoch got stung by that scorpion. It was scary, but apparently it happens a lot around here and he was fine. His foot went numb and then his ankle and shin the next day- but other than mild pain- he was ok. I'll tell you what though, I'm definitely going to make friends with the bug spray guy. K- sorry for the uber long comment.
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