Yesterday evening, I worked my very last closing shift at my anonymous retail location. I helped my last customer, I made my last 10-minute announcement, I answered the phone one last time. And after three years, even though it was not always my favorite place to be, I can safely say that I will miss the place.
A large part of what made this job fulfilling (in addition to many great co-workers) was the fact that my brother worked there with me for my first two and a half years. Our time working together saw us develop a unique bond (at family gatherings, we never tired of swapping work stories), but it also saw Brian tirelessly chipping away at my immaturity with his constant encouragement to do a good job even when I didn’t want to. I really can’t thank him enough for taking the time to chide me when necessary; I truly believe I am more responsible because of his efforts.
So, why did I leave? The short answer is: it was time. It was time because I had worked there almost three years; it was time because I am moving back to school in just a few short weeks; it was time because my photography business is picking up and I intend to pursue it with all the gumption I can muster; it was time because I can’t do that and work at a store during the school year.
Oh yes, I really am going for “this photography business,” as I have taken to referring to it. It has been at the forefront of my mind through the entire summer, and lest you think I haven’t been taking pictures just because my Flickr stream has not been updated, I can assure you that I am sitting on all kinds of delightful photos that I can’t wait to share with you. Patience, friends. Patience. 
But for the time being, I am editing like crazy and taking care of mundane (but kind of exciting) business details—and trying to absorb the fact that I am no longer “employed.” I’ve called life “an interesting ride” many a time, and it seems like the next year will not disappoint. Hold on tight.
August 31st, 2007 at 5:10 pm
Congrats on the photography business! I actually discovered the other day from clicking on your links that you’d launched your new site…sneaky sneaky not announcing it, lol! Anyway, it looks great!
If you’re interested in seeing other photographers’ work, I’ve just added some of our wedding pics to my site. We were thrilled to have had Jeff Ascough to shoot ours who is considered to be a genius at shooting in available light. I’ve found his work really inspirational since discovering his site last year.
Anyway, GOOD LUCK with the business, it’s no surprise to hear that it’s taking off, congrats
August 31st, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Lol, good work, Nin! I wondered if anyone would find that.
I don’t know if I would exactly call the site “launched” yet, though… it’s still quite “in progress.” But all the same, it’s fun that you found it. And thank you, once again, for the encouragement. 
September 1st, 2007 at 8:06 am
Hi there Erin! Congratulations on picking up on wedding photography! Should be very fun and exciting, because what’s a happier event than a wedding?
Great job done on the website, too. It makes me think of a Happy America, like the 90s thing.
Zinzy
September 5th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
You so inspire me! I wish I was getting married to my hubby all over again so you could photograph us
Congrats on the new biz.