… I stepped out of my comfort zone and followed my passion, to become a full time wedding photographer after moonlighting for 3 years. I have been planning for that day for some time. But everytime, something will stop me, telling me… it’s a dead end there, don’t go. It’s the voice of uncertainty. It keeps repeating over and over again. I spoke to people around me and the result was, 50-50.
Dad asked, “why?”.
Mum said “if you are happier that way…”.
Ron said, “come join us!”
Ead said, “Fasten your seatbelts” <=== i can't be sure of the exact words, but you get the impression. Heng gave me a book during my birthday the year before, titled, Whatever you think, think the opposite by Paul Arden. On page 62, I found this,
A young man worked as a runner in an advertising firm.
One day he said to his manager, ‘i’m leaving. I’m going to be a drummer.’
The manager said, ‘I didn’t know you played the drums.’
He replied, ‘I don’t, but I’m going to.’
A few years later that young man played in a band with Eric Clapton and Jack Bruce, and it was called Cream, and the young man’s name was Ginger Baker.
He became what he wanted to become before he knew he could do it.
He had a goal
The events that led to me resigning was pretty funny. After my holiday in Taipei, I came back to office, still in holiday mood. Then I made a casual remark, “don’t feel like working…”. My colleague heard that and for the next 5 days, he will come to me everyday and ask, “when are you quitting? Must tell me ok?”. Coupled with my intention to leave, I thought, damn it… let’s just do it! So I told him I’ll resign the next day. That night, I typed my resignation letter and the next day, I was on my gardening leave:)
I remembered how my manager asked me, “what are you going to do?”. I said I want to be a photographer. He went “you know, you have a good degree and a stable job, why do this (you know the typical stuff)?” I quoted some examples and about pursuing a passion. But inside me, I wasn’t sure. One year on, today, I have an answer for him.
The whole episode only hit me a day later, I went, “what have you done?”
From then on, I knew, I was on my own. Today, I look back… no regrets.
To the ones that helped me and believe in me over this period of uncertainty, thank you, thank you very much.
weeee weeet! *throw confetti* happy 1st year to freedom and passion! thank you for giving up your 9-5 (or 8-6 la) job to give us beautiful wedding photos!
犧牲小我,完成大我!you is super 的偉大!
I hope I can write something similar 1 year down the road =)
U’re truly inspiring!! Chris always say to me.. the only thing that stops us from fulfilling our dreams.. is ourselves. I’m not only happy for you… I’m really proud that you made it and that I know someone like that! =) Thanks for sharing!
一但决定了,就往前冲吧 :)
That was a brave move and a GREAT move! Believe in your talent and it will take care of you
Congrats to a year!
wow! Thanks guys!:)
anne: that’s my job:) i’m glad i followed my passion. heehee!
alwin: always be ready, you never know when the opportunity will come by. all the best ya!:D
pris: sometimes, we’re just too comfy doing wht we are doing now. i covered my eyes and took the leap:P
jas: 对!加油!:D
tricia: thanks!:D i dunno abt talent, but i think i like wht i’m doing now:D
Congrats!! I was in that same position 6 months ago. Struggled to leave the teaching force…not for my passion, but for a man I love (u know who). Hehe! WS, Thank you for the reminder that such decisions are worth it. Hopefully more S’poreans will be more bold to step out of their comfort zone to pursue their passion! Of course it helps to have supportive family members.
Hey hey Amy! How are u guys doing? Settled down already?
I know it’s hard to make a decision like this. I’m glad you took that step! I’m sure you are loving every moment. Sometimes, being in someone else’s arms is the best comfort you can get:D
So looking foward to see you guys soon!!:D
Congrats pal! You’ve done what many people dream of but dare not to, and succeeded in your own way (& style)! I always admire your work
We’re doing fine here, Thanks! Norman’s loving his job, as usual. Me… trying to adjust to my new job coz it’s totally alien to me! Having the opportunity to irritate one another every minute by being in the same office & home etc… How does that sound to you? Yes, I’m loving every moment of it~! :p ha See you soon!
Hey Wai Yi, thanks!:) I’m sure given the right opportunities, one will be very very tempted to. Just be ready, always.
Hey Amy, I’m glad to hear that you guys are settling down well there!:D I see two very in love souls there:D See ya soon!