You can’t fit the time it takes to live two lives into the space of one. I realize this now. You can dream as much as your heart desires, but you’ll only ever get enough time and chances to pursue one. That is, if you truly know what it is that you aspire for.
I know the path that I need to take to become a working photographer. It is one that I’ve only seen the beginnings of. I would like to see where that path takes me. If that means leaving the one that I’ve been on for 15 years as a teacher, then so be it. I know there are no guarantees, and I could fail spectacularly. But at the very least, I would have also tried.
I have made my peace with my decision. It is one that my wife fully supports. I wish that I could make others understand and accept this ‘irrational’ and impractical choice, but I feel that I don’t owe anyone, who isn’t on this journey with me, an explanation.
My feet have already left the security of solid earth. An adventure awaits…
Joel Locaylocay Photography 
Good for you! Get out there and pursue your dreams!! If you don’t try then you have already failed, but if you try and fail you can always try again till you find what works best for you. Yay for your new adventure!
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Thank you for the encouraging and hopeful words. It definitely helps that there is a supportive community of creatives here on WordPress.
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I love our blogosphere community and how supportive everyone is! I truly wish you the best and hope you post about all the ups and the downs. It’s a big leap and soo cool you are doing this! I wish I could!
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I think you are right, you don’t owe any explanation to anyone. Actually, what you do is inspiring, and you stay true to yourself. I wish you good luck on your new journey, may your new career unfold through your lens!
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Thank you. You are proof positive that one can do what one loves not just to make a living, but to make a life.
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Truth is that the first sentence in your post hit me on a weak spot: “You can’t fit the time it takes to live two lives into the space of one.” This is what I’m doing, I have a paid day job, and the jewellery making I do only in spare moments inbetween. It’s fine, I like my day job too, it stimulates other parts of me, but it’s the jewellery making that feels like “my life”. I haven’t figured it out yet, perhaps it’s the freedom and lack of pressure that makes the jewellery making feel so playful, so alive.
You see, I’m still searching… Your post really hit something in me, and I’m grateful for that, so thank you!
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You are most welcome. And thank you as well. I must apologize for the extremely late reply as I thought I had sent it as soon as I read your comment. Apparently my brain ticked it off the list without sending the signal down to my hands. 🙂
I think we just continue to figure it out as we travel along this path. You make the necessary changes as the situation calls for it (e.g. I am now working on a two-month long research project to pay the bills). But I believe that ultimately the important thing is to persevere on this road.
I wish us both all the best.
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