tonyturley
Legend
- Location
- Scott Depot, WV, USA
- Name
- Tony
I am one of the 800,000+ Federal employees not being paid during the partial US government shutdown. I’ve served 31+ years in the field of aviation safety, and I’ve long been ready for a new chapter in my life. The current political drama is the last straw. Our POTUS today threatened to keep us unpaid for “months, or even years, if necessary”. Although he is predisposed to making statements without basis in facts, this one is bombastic even for him. I am not looking to start a political argument, but I am seriously frustrated right now.
As soon as possible, I intend to file my retirement application, with an effective date of September 2019. That will hopefully give the HR processing office time to clear up their current backlog of applications.
I have for a long time been contemplating the next steps in my journey. Uncomfortable as it is, I think our domestic political drama may be the kick in the pants I needed to finally make a move. I’ve been told by many people that I should write or sell photos for a living. I know friends and family mean well, but they don’t realize it’s not as easy as putting up a web site and saying “Here, buy my stuff.”.
I have been tossing about in my head the idea of travel writing and photography. I realize I am a decent, but not “great” photographer. Truth is, I’m not really certain of the direction I want to take. I’ve read some books, and talked with one of you at length privately. Now I’m casting the net wide. Are any of you who write and or photograph for a living willing to offer any tips or advice for career transitioning? I realize I may be asking for the Secret Sauce. I’ll be 60 in a few months, and I’m really looking more toward building something that will supplement my retirement income. My wife suggests I begin with a blog. But how to separate from the pack?
Another question is equipment. My current gear is primarily a G80 + PL 12-60. Great combination, but is it good enough for paid use? I briefly considered a D610 or 6D for the potential higher IQ, but I have always valued smaller and less weighty. Is there anything else that can give me better IQ per pound? My thoughts lately have been turning back toward Fuji. I am just not certain if additional equipment is necessary, but I’m willing to go that route if it will help my transition.
This is both an unsettling and potentially exciting time for me. I’ve long had thoughts of trying to break away from the grip of The Man, and this may very well be the push I need. Input, advice, criticism, all are welcome.
As soon as possible, I intend to file my retirement application, with an effective date of September 2019. That will hopefully give the HR processing office time to clear up their current backlog of applications.
I have for a long time been contemplating the next steps in my journey. Uncomfortable as it is, I think our domestic political drama may be the kick in the pants I needed to finally make a move. I’ve been told by many people that I should write or sell photos for a living. I know friends and family mean well, but they don’t realize it’s not as easy as putting up a web site and saying “Here, buy my stuff.”.
I have been tossing about in my head the idea of travel writing and photography. I realize I am a decent, but not “great” photographer. Truth is, I’m not really certain of the direction I want to take. I’ve read some books, and talked with one of you at length privately. Now I’m casting the net wide. Are any of you who write and or photograph for a living willing to offer any tips or advice for career transitioning? I realize I may be asking for the Secret Sauce. I’ll be 60 in a few months, and I’m really looking more toward building something that will supplement my retirement income. My wife suggests I begin with a blog. But how to separate from the pack?
Another question is equipment. My current gear is primarily a G80 + PL 12-60. Great combination, but is it good enough for paid use? I briefly considered a D610 or 6D for the potential higher IQ, but I have always valued smaller and less weighty. Is there anything else that can give me better IQ per pound? My thoughts lately have been turning back toward Fuji. I am just not certain if additional equipment is necessary, but I’m willing to go that route if it will help my transition.
This is both an unsettling and potentially exciting time for me. I’ve long had thoughts of trying to break away from the grip of The Man, and this may very well be the push I need. Input, advice, criticism, all are welcome.