I am really at my wits end. I've been looking for a 9 to 5 so that I could pursue being a photographer for a year. Interviews end up being a waste of time, gas and lost sleep because I work nights. Although I'm grateful to have a job, the management makes my current job very difficult unless your one of the prized ponies in the stables. I ended up catching the flue 2 weeks ago and spent the day in the hospital instead of going to the important interview I had lined up that morning. I got worse and worse and ended up in the hospital. Of couse the recruiter was mad because the manager flew out from New Jersey to interview everyone. My job discourages people to call in sick so three people came to work the prior week and someone had the flu and neither of the three went to the Dr. I was the only person who went to the Dr. to get check out and fought with my supervisor who tried to make me come to work even though I had a 3 days off note from the Dr. I haven't gotten any paid photography assignments this year as I hoped, nor have I sold any boxing images with my wire service and money is really tight. I promised myself that I would have more paid assignments in 2008.

I could really use some prayers right now because I finally want to pursue photography and although I still need to work full time, I'm having a hard time finding a job that pays enough to live on. I've registered with five temp agencies and not a one can find me work(seems to be a revolving door with the recruiters they hire). I just need to catch a break and get something that won't consume my weekends or evenings. I set out with that goal in mind and to take no substitutions, but I haven't found anything yet and I am afraid that I may end up working two jobs again with means going back to retail PT. I pray at least a couple of times of day and right now, I feel like tearing my hair out in frustration. I was hoping to earn enough money to buy a 2nd camera body this year, but I cannot. Some good mojo is really needed my way.

Thanks!

Renay, I'm sorry to hear that you are struggling. I don't think there is much I can say that will help but I did say a prayer for you.

Sounds like you've got it pretty rough right now. Will add you to my prayer list.

On a side note, you're in San Diego, which is a fairly popular wedding destination. What are you doing to market yourself?

I pass out contact cards to co-workers, fellow photographers and make cold calls to pr companies or the companies themselves whenever I see images from an event which I think I can do a better job on(Donna Marsh grand opening fashion show pictures for example). I've yet to shoot a wedding so I'm looking for a young couple to volunteer on so that I can get that first wedding out of the way. Maybe ask for gas money only and make sure it's a small wedding. After getting past my first wedding, I plan on assisting, 2nd shooting a bit before I become the principle shooter. I shoot different events, but wanted to become versatile after two people asked me if I did weddings and at the time, I had to say no.

My primary goal right now is to find another job that is M-F only and pays better so that I am not stressed about finances. I work really hard at shooting good action shots at the boxing matches I shoot in hopes that the wire service I shoot for will be able to push the images. I think I am being proactive since I spend each morning before going to bed doing some kind of research that is photography related. I've met with a local photographer who looked at my work and liked it. He gave me some tips offered helped and encouragement. It's still just getting that first job that I am trying to hurdle over. I think it's because I'm preoccupied with a job I can't stand but I gotta eat, keep a roof over my head and gas in car. I'm okay with working for what I need, but I'm really stretched thin right now as far as patience goes.