| Sign in: |
| Members log in here with your user name and password to access the your admin page and other special features. |
|
|
|
|
|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Who's gone or considered going back to school ?
Jeff Mills, Photographer, Photo Editor
 |
Columbus | OH | USA | Posted: 7:30 PM on 09.21.10 |
->> My first day of school is tomorrow and I'm starting a degree in nuclear medicine. Its going to be far more studying than I had to do to get my BS in hospitality management, thats for sure!
Its a really fascinating field thats really focusing on oncology and cardiac issues so the prospective growth should be quite good as cancer and heart disease aren't going away anytime soon in our society. Additionally in a way its still imaging based, though, just capturing radiation using a gamma camera instead of a Nikon.
Anyways, its my decision to try to start working towards a more viable long term career now, while I am still able to keep a roof over my head as a photographer, and get a jump on things before things could/would? turn worse for this industry. Its been a great 8 years that I've been doing this as my sole means of support, but realistically I really don't think I've got another 5 years of being able to earn a good living wage no matter how hard I work.
Enough about me though, how about the rest of you ? Is anyone considering pursuing other career possibilities and if so is it based upon skills you already have or are you looking to return/start an educational program towards that degree ?
Are you planning to try to continue working fulltime and take classes in the evenings or perhaps cut back your photography work and try to focus more on your course work while living off a bit of savings ?
Do you have a spouse who earns enough to keep the roof over your head if need be or do you feel you can't go back to school due to cost, or can't find the time working 60 hours as is just to get by ?
I know as a whole, people have been returning to school in record numbers due to the economy in general, but was curious how many in our own industry have taken that step and how many have been thinking about it ? |
|
Tim Darby, Photographer
|
Lakeland | FL | USA | Posted: 9:09 PM on 09.21.10 |
| ->> Wow! Quite a career change. I didn't go back to school but I do balance my career as an attorney with my career as a photographer. Fortunately I have a devoted and focused wife that works hard and puts up with my shenanigans. Having gone through the law school thing my only advice for someone going back is to be as cost conscious as possible. Not sure if you have some savings to pay for tuition, books, living expenses, etc. while in school or what but try to avoid any extra student loans if at all possible. My wife and I combined (she is a doctor of pharmacy) are staring down about $160k in student loan debt. Just be smart about expenses and tuition. Best of luck! |
|
Harrison Shull, Photographer
|
Fayetteville, WV | Asheville, NC | | Posted: 9:11 PM on 09.21.10 |
->> I am right there with you, Jeff.
I am about to wrap up 6 months knocking out a bunch pre-reqs and have already applied to start an intensive acelerated BSN program in January. My 5-year plan has me finishing CRNA school and establishnig a routine where I am working three 12-hr shifts a week making great money with good benefits so that I have the freedom to shoot what I want and license to who I want and how I want. I just have little confidence that the photo/media market is going to rebound to a point where I can still do what I have been doing well into my 60's with good income, adequate health care, retirement funds, etc... My glass is officially half-empty on the future of photos in the world of crowdsourcing, microstock, online media, etc...
I have only slightly scaled back my shooting so far but will pretty much put it on hiatus for the ABSN year other than stock image production and licensing. Then I plan to ramp it back up as much as I can. |
|
Michael Fischer, Photographer
|
Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 10:41 PM on 09.21.10 |
->> Like Tim, I've balanced being a photographer with having another career - in my case as a business person. Have done so for a long time, and by being both, I've found a "balance" in my life that I wouldn't have if I did just one or the other.
Are there challenges? Absolutely. But my wife supports my work even though it takes time away from us. Congrats to you, Jeff, and Harrison as well. It takes courage to make changes - and you've embraced change. That skill will always serve you well.
To those pondering which route you should travel, there is no perfect choice. Clearly, in the times we live in, you must make choices if you aren't making it financially.
IF you go back to school, just make sure it's something with a future as well as something you can enjoy. |
|
Mike Janes, Photographer
|
Attica | NY | USA | Posted: 11:42 PM on 09.21.10 |
| ->> I did the Van Wilder program spanning three Presidents and got a few degrees out of it as a back up plan if needing to change careers, it sits there waiting and see what happens, but for now it's full steam ahead with photography and don't see a switch anytime soon...that could change in a few years, but right now everything is growing and getting better so no need to switch. |
|
Thomas E. Witte, Photographer, Photo Editor
|
Cincinnati | OH | USA | Posted: 12:49 AM on 09.22.10 |
->> Aside from you guys, I know of 13 other photographers and editors off the top of my head who have taken this path in the past 2 years, myself included. I was originally going back for copyright law since it's near and dear to me, but considering that little niche is being hit just as hard, it's been postponed. In the interim I'm getting my MBA since all things considered, it was the route I should have originally taken.
I always felt like a businessman who took pictures rather than a photographer who ran a business. |
|
Eric Isaacs, Photographer, Assistant
|
Santa Barbara | CA | USA | Posted: 2:50 AM on 09.22.10 |
->> Jeff, I experienced exactly the opposite. I had a hard time making ends meet back when I was a Nuclear Medicine specialist. All the Weekend hobbyists/GWBS (Guy With Bone Scanner) were stealing my business away so I turned to photography where the insurance costs are much lower :)
Seriously though, that's great that you are starting a new career path. Studying is a great way to stay young! I try to take community college classes most semesters just to learn something new. Nothing as intensive as an MD program but stimulating all the same.
Best of luck!
EMI |
|
Clark Brooks, Photo Editor, Photographer
|
Urbana | IL | USA | Posted: 10:46 AM on 09.22.10 |
| ->> I considered going back to school and work toward a law degree. That way Thomas and I could start a partnership "Witte-Brooks" and I could sound really smart even before people met me :-) |
|
Keith Lucas, Photographer
|
Verona | VA | USA | Posted: 12:17 PM on 09.22.10 |
->> Jeff,
I read about 5 years ago that this generation, and subsequently those that follow will have approximately 3-5 career changes in their lifetime. Not jobs, full blown career shifts. That said, I think I am personally out of changes.....:-)
I left a career in metal fabrication/management/CNC programming to become an 8th grade teacher. I still teach, and still run a photography business. I do not think I can financially support another career change, at least not one that involves student loans and books.
Good luck in your endeavor.
Keith |
|
Greg Kendall-Ball, Photographer, Assistant
|
Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 1:54 PM on 09.22.10 |
->> I really look forward to seeing some more replies to this question.
Personally, I am sort of going the opposite direction. I finished college and then went to seminary before finding out I really wanted to be a photojournalist. Eight years of education and preparation for a career I'm no longer pursuing.
But, even as I'm about to transition into a full-time journalism career, I'm thinking about the longevity of it. I've always enjoyed teaching, and would consider going back to school to get a PhD or an EdD and try to find a teaching post somewhere. I really love being part of the academy (for all its faults)- it's a great place where ideas from a variety of fields get combined, with some interesting results.
Plus, I love the idea of working 24/7, as some of my professor friends put it: 24 hours a week, 7 months a year! |
|
Paul Alesse, Photographer
|
Centereach | NY | USA | Posted: 8:53 PM on 09.22.10 |
| ->> Jeff... nothing to add other than to wish you luck in your new career move. I'm sure you'll find success in anything you choose to do. |
|
Michael Fischer, Photographer
|
Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 11:20 PM on 09.22.10 |
->> I have one thing to add: IF you haven't heard me preach about this enough - if you want to continue in photography and you lack a business degree you absolutely have to take some business courses. A business degree would be even BETTER.
Excuses - I see them in here and that is all they are: Excuses. Nothing last forever. Nothing. There's way too much "if I had less competition" mentality in here and it is a silly, if not a down right stupid mentality.
Time after time I've preached to find niches. Even in this significant recession there are people in here kicking butt. "Oh, I want to shoot NFL". Great, but if there's more money in shooting T and I or weddings or corporate, why would you work for next to nothing? For the glory? Here's a news flash: The electric utility doesn't care if you shoot NFL when you don't pay your light bill.
Then there's this thread: http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=36433
Alex hit it on the head. How many have the attention span? It's been easier to complain.
If you are weak in accounting, marketing, finance, management, or HR, going back to school now is a good investment. If you're not sure where to start, talk to a adviser. Community colleges are a good place to start. Personally, I'd recommend accounting (even though I sucked at it) because it's the language of business. Since I'm a marketing guy, I strongly suggest those kinds of courses as well.
How am I doing in my business life this year? Am I just blowing smoke? Let's just say after a very rough 2009 I am generating double digit increases in sales. Profits are rising. I've figured out the consumer in my market and am starting to kick the S%*T out of the big box guys. It's all based on a plan. It all comes down to having the knowledge. You can learn to do the same thing.
Finally, there's a shout out to Thomas. Thomas, with your keen mind, a MBA is going to make you totally dangerous when someone tries to take advantage of you. I loved your "Independence Day" analogy. Good luck with the MBA. Kick some ass. It's actually fun when you're doing the kicking.
Michael |
|
Nina Zhito, Photographer
|
bay area | CA | | Posted: 5:15 AM on 10.04.10 |
->> Yes, over the past two years I've completed POST (Police Officer Standards and Training) academy training in Dispatch, and in Animal Law Enforcement. The training has been fascinating and photo doors have opened up alongside. But, I have also taken more specialized photography classes ... and writing classes. Cross training? Career changes? We'll see. I've been shooting for over 30 years and not likely to stop now.
But, realistically and here's the big thing for me: Whatever Achilles' heel has sabotaged a would-be photographer will weaken whatever new enterprise s/he might be undertake. Whatever the weakness --accounting, concentration, organization, communication, open-mindedness, people-skills, technophobia, it will follow us. Our deficits of will or skill or character will surely hound us *wherever* we wind up. That is, unless we look objectively and clearly at what the problems were and are (and will probably remain), and with a plan to change those things. Past behavior is the best predictor of future performance, it is said. So, here's to learning...and to improvement for us all... |
|
Paul Nelson, Photographer
|
Temperance | MI | USA | Posted: 8:00 AM on 10.04.10 |
->> Other people have left school? I never seem to find the end to it. Having a full-time IT job means I'll be training/in school indefintely if I want to keep up with the industry. Heck - that's how I got into photography - the merging of computers into the photography field meant I was already two steps ahead.
It does feed itself really - the employers want you to be trained and often pick up the tab for project-specific training.
I would be surprised if a lot of photographers aren't somehow already involved in Information Technology careers - it's just glorifying the computer instead of the camera....and it is a really fulfilling (and usually good paying) career if you make it be. |
|
Michael Fischer, Photographer
|
Spencer | Ia | USA | Posted: 1:17 PM on 10.04.10 |
->> Nina wrote:
"But, realistically and here's the big thing for me: Whatever Achilles' heel has sabotaged a would-be photographer will weaken whatever new enterprise s/he might be undertake. Whatever the weakness --accounting, concentration, organization, communication, open-mindedness, people-skills, technophobia, it will follow us. Our deficits of will or skill or character will surely hound us *wherever* we wind up. That is, unless we look objectively and clearly at what the problems were and are (and will probably remain), and with a plan to change those things. Past behavior is the best predictor of future performance, it is said. So, here's to learning...and to improvement for us all..."
Truer words were NEVER spoken. It's trite to say it, but it's true: There is no finish line.
Way to go, Nina!
M |
|
Patrick Murphy-Racey, Photographer
|
Powell | TN | USA | Posted: 12:45 AM on 10.08.10 |
| ->> I went and got myself ordained back in 2007... So now I can look forward to making even less money in ministry than I do as a shooter... on the other hand, cash is not the only currency that is important to me... weird shift in my life, though... |
|
Israel Shirk, Photographer, Assistant
|
Boise | ID | US | Posted: 1:41 AM on 10.08.10 |
| ->> I'm graduating in the spring with a physics degree, it's been three semesters so far... Just booking full on weddings and portraits for post-graduation, shooting sports when I have the time. |
|
Return to --> Message Board Main Index
|