Celebrating One Year Self-Employed

Posted by: Randi Vasquez Photography

One year ago today I sent the following email:

"My apologies for notifying you by email, however I will no longer be employed at _____. I have been offered a new employment position in a field which better suits my career path. Please accept this email message as notification that I will no longer further my position in sales starting today, January 15​th. I appreciate the opportunities, professional guidance, and support I have received while at _____. Please forward this email to whomever needs notification."

Heads up, if you're looking to quit a job you hate feel free to use this email as your own personal template; however, you might as well cross the company off your resume and list of recommendations. Don't say I didn't warn you.

As soon I clicked the word "send" I felt like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. For the first time in months, I could breathe and felt free. Sure, I may have just offered myself a "new employment position" but I didn't care. I had finally been released from fluorescent hell. Some would call me crazy for quitting a job with a great salary (and they did) but fortunately, I have a very supportive family who backed my decision.

The next few months weren't always easy, but every day was a new adventure. I spent my time creating a new website, reaching out to clients, booking shoots, selling prints, and developing a brand. In February, I decided to take my second leap of faith for the year and packed up all my belongings and moved to Chattanooga. I didn't know exactly what to expect, but I am so grateful I made that decision.

Now, one year later, I am celebrating the official one year anniversary of Randi Vasquez Photography and being self-employed! *cue confetti drop* People often tell me things like "OMG you have the best job!" Yes, I do. I love my job so much. I get to travel, meet incredible people, and take photos for a living. However, don't be fooled by the glamour.

Whether you've been self-employed for years or your just fancying the idea, here are a few specifics you should keep in mind:

1) HAVE A BUSINESS PLAN:

Write it out on napkins, in your iPhone, on your hand. It doesn't matter. Just write out your business plans before you do anything. Do not even think about quitting your job before you do this step. How many of your extravagant, one-of-a-kind monogrammed coozies are you going to have to sell to make rent? What about food? What about business expenses? Seriously, do not skip this step.

2) BLOGGERS LIE:

This may sound funny since you are reading this from a blogger, but self-employment is not always sequins, sharpened pencils, and fresh flowers on an all white desk. Sure my Instagram may look like that, but outside of the square, it is chaos. I've got files all over my room. Craft supplies cover every inch of my living room and we can't even eat at the kitchen table anymore because it has become my office.

3) YOU WEAR A LOT OF HATS:

Yes, you're the talent. We know. But you're also the boss, the manager, the secretary, the social media manager, and the intern. Some days you'll be all of these positions and more. The sooner you figure this out, the more successful you will be.

4) THE 9-5 SCHEDULE GOES OUT THE WINDOW:

If you are anything like me, you work with your clients mostly on the weekends. Normal people think that throughout the week we have ample amount of time to sit around and paint our nails. Wrong! Since we spend our weekends out on location, during the week we have to play catch up. We send emails, edit thousands of photos, package, update our website/social media, etc. Sure, some days I prefer not to start working until 2 p.m., but you better believe I'll be sitting here at my desk until the wee hours of the morning.

5) PTO DOESN'T EXIST:

Unlike our 9-5 friends, we don't have the luxury of paid time off. If we want to sip daiquiris for a week on the beach, we better be hustling hard to sell our prints. So next time your friend complains about how they only get three weeks of PTO, spit in their daiquiri.

6) TIME MANAGEMENT IS KEY:

I'll admit, I am the absolute worst when it comes to time management. I am the queen of procrastination, but I somehow always manage to meet every deadline. Keep a running list of things you have to do near you at all times. I have a list sitting beside me right now broken into 4 categories: inquiries, photo queue, mailed, print orders. Each item on the list also has a date beside it so I know exactly when it is due. This helps me stay focused and on track when all I really wanna do is binge watch the series GIRLS.

7) NETWORKING:

Yeah, yeah, we all know networking is the key to finding success, but it really is. I hate the word networking because it is so intimidating; but, I will admit that I network myself constantly. At the bookstore, bar, gym, etc. "Here let me help you with that photo. Selfies are so overrated." "I noticed you're holding a bridal magazine. I am a wedding photographer. Here is my card." IT'S SO EASY. I get nervous each time, but it's not a big deal. People love the fact that they are being noticed!

8) YOU ARE YOUR BIGGEST FAN AND CRITIC:

Do I really need to explain this?

9) BELIEVE IN YOURSELF:

One of the most important things in life is to believe in the work that you do. How do you expect others to believe in your brand and vision if you don't believe it yourself? You will always have someone who is better than you, but you will also always have someone who is worse than you.

10) DON'T LOSE YOUR PASSION:

I promise, as much as you love what you're doing right now, you will eventually start losing steam. Some days the thought of editing another wedding may not seem so exciting, but when the bride & groom contact you to tell you how in love they are with their images you will regain your confidence. It's important to revisit what first inspired you to start this incredible journey.

So, there you have it, an inside look at Randi Vasquez Photography and the world of self-employment. It is a lot of work, but the results are beyond rewarding. Let us know if you're a fellow #GIRLBOSS. We would love to hear your story!

Let's book a session.

#randivasquezphotography #charisma #chattanooga #lifestyle