Quote:
Originally Posted by cinnamonsun
This is a seasonal position. It's only for a very short period of time and while I get paid, it's not really a career. But it gives me the title of being a professional photographer. And I might be able to use this for something else down the road or to push my own photography career if I want one. It's a step but not the end of the journey, you know what I mean? But really. I was a shoe salesperson for several years and I'm just happy and thankful to have a new experience and do something else, even if it's briefly. It makes me feel better and I desperately need to do something else/new than what I've been doing.
I could easily go to the two shoe stores at the mall and convince them to hire me. But the problem is...I don't want to do that for the rest of my life. I need something different. I want to utilize my talents. I have taken so many art courses I could go back and easily finish and have a bachelor's in art. I won an art scholarship. I've won awards for artwork in competitions. I've had poems published in a journal and a scholarly article published. I'm an artist and a writer, but you don't exactly make money usually, being an artist or writer. However, I am sick of retail to the point where it's boring and suffocating. I want a more fulfilling and purposeful job at this point in my life.
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You are super smart and talented! If you could get a 4.0 in stats and win scholarships for art, you are superb! I have always admired artists! If you want to be a professional photographer for magazines, newspapers, the art world, and more, totally go for it! In the end, it's not about money but rather what you love to do!
My friend got his art degree and does freelance photog for advertisers and weddings. He doesn't make much money at all, but he loves doing what he's doing. He's excellent at chemistry and things like that, but he chose art because that's his passion. He also does graphic design and some other things he learned in college.
The new job sounds like a start to a new career! Its sad how they couldn't help you with the W-4, but it sounds more like they are covering their own legal issues than it's about you. I really think it's not about you at all, and that hopefully they will accept you and enjoy working with you and make it a really fun work experience! If you're taking photographs, that's an awesome job!
Many moons ago, like 30 years ago, I sold shoes in JCPenney's children shoe department. I once knew how to work those feet measuring thingies and know about the nomanclature of the foot - or whatever it was called. I measured every stinky child's foot that came in - funky socks, sweaty toe jam, and all. I did that for about 3 years (between the ages of 13 and 16, with a permit from my parents). It was quite an experience. I also helped catch an employee who was stealing, which was one of the major highlights of my job. Back then, teens could get those kinds of jobs. Today, not so much - but then again, maybe so, since they seem to have a shortage of employees these days.
I miss the retail life, but I don't miss standing on my feet all day or smelling and touching other's feet. I don't know how I did it. I'd be too germaphobe these days, but back in the day, I was fearless.
Anyway, that's cool that you sold shoes. It can be a fun job, but I could see why you would want to go for your passion - art! Do follow your passion!
