"My story" isn't a long one, but knowing me, it'll end up being long when I start writing it! I've been excited to see how God used a situation that seemed difficult to push me out into the possibility of doing something I love.
Well, as much as I have appreciated what State Farm (SF) has done for me, Ihave been feeling restless with my job and wanting to move onto a different department. I've spoken with many people here at SF and the advice was nearly always the same..."you need to move". So, I've been looking to move with State Farm...the closest being Indianapolis and the farthest being California or Florida. I didn't mind the idea of a move...but the thought of leaving my family, especially my nieces and nephews for the purpose of climbing a ladder for a career that I wasn't enjoying seemed difficult. If I could do what I really want, I'd be in a more creative field. Don't get me wrong...I've loved State Farm as an employer, but my heart is not into insurance (don't worry, I'm not leaving SF) . I've been wrestling with this for several months.
In addition to that, I've followed Vikki (V Gallery), Tater & Haley (Roots Photography), and Taryn and Kristi's (Imagine Artists) businesses very closely, and have been inspired by their work and watching them build their businesses from the ground up. I always thought they were so lucky to work in a field that I felt I was only allowed to dream of.
I've watched my sisters, Rebekah and Heidi and how they are able to easily pick up a camera and capture beautiful images.
While I was in Jamaica, I was talking to a guy who is a youth pastor, and he was telling me how much he loved his job. He said he'd do it whether he was paid or not. Later, I was talking to Erin and she said the same thing. I couldn't.
Well, when I got home and started looking for a new place to live and possibly buying a house, I started wondering if I should be pushing for the move with SF or possibly get a second income. That's when Heidi encouraged me to work to build my video business in Bloomington. I realized that building that business would take more finances than what I had, but I could afford to start a photography business and eventually grow that to video. I love photography just as much, but am a rookie at best. That's where the "leaping" took place.
Yes, I'm nervous to take the risk of failing at it...especially publically. I'm scared that I wont be any good but I've got to go out on a limb and try!
But the scariest part is not the photography business...it was choosing the photography over working to climb higher in State Farm. It was knowing that I would see job postings here that before would have been an opportunity pursued. That I'm going to watch my friends here grow in this field but that I'm going to take a risk at not following that way.
I love how God has taken the restlessness, the move from my Dad's home, and a phone conversation with my sister to set me on this path.
Scared? Yes. Excited? Even more. I'm going to get to work at something that I love...and succeed or fail, I'm already excited that I'm going to take a chance at it.
It should be fun.
10 comments:
I'm just glad your not giving up insurance all together. What a noble profession! ;) Congratulations on stepping out!!
That is sweet of you Tami! Thanks too for the email. I am so happy for you and know that you are going to do great... and that you're gonna love it!
I can see how it would be scary leaving such a great job. I will be praying that God will bless this new adventure of yours.
I'm so thrilled that you are following your dream! We began following ours after our little nephew passed away several years ago. At a young age of 6 months, we realized we couldn't get enough photographs of him. It made us realize the importance of capturing each moment in life. You never know what tomorrow holds, so that is why we love capturing it today.
Best wishes to you and lots of love!
~Haley
How exciting... I was hoping that's what the announcement was. And who knows, maybe you could end up in Creative Services and use your talents at work to do something you really enjoy there too. I'll be praying and will be really excited to see where this road takes you!
Duh me, saw that you are staying at SF. Brookes idea is cool too! =-)
Tami, I'm only excited for you. Knowing your creativity AND your determination, I'm confident you'll do great (and I'm excited to watch the process).
It sounds so fun, although I totally can understand the scary side you shared.
Know we'll be cheering on from the sidelines, and hey, if you ever need some practice, I have lots of "willing" subjects here at home (Ava will do just about anything for a sucker and the girls don't know better to protest yet!) : )
right on!
WhooHoo Tami! You are going to do Great! Storming the gates for you on this end! love you.
Good for you!!
Congratulations Tami!
I too, have been in that same ship. It's a huge and scary decision to do something on your own (or with an amazing partner.) I had a great job, that paid great, and I was jumping to a business that who knows if I could make money.
But I trusted that God would take me through and HE DID! And looking back, Taryn and I can see God's hand through all of it, and we wouldn't be here if we hadn't followed God's calling!
So excited for you! Can't wait to watch as God takes you on this amaaazing path!
Kristi
Good for you! I love your photos and I can tell ya that I will be hiring you to capture my lil Ella!
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