4 astute moves for smooth career changes
Wedding photographer Milton Gan always knew he'd run his own business.
While he wasn't sure about the 'what' or the 'when,' Milton was clear about 'how' he'd become his own boss.
Milton moved from London to Bondi in 2006. A passionate self-taught photographer, he began shooting events in his spare time.
Six years later, he swapped a seventeen-year career in media and marketing for a flourishing full-time career as a wedding photographer.
Milton's fate was sealed when he stumbled across a wedding blog. He was 'blown away,' and he knew there and then where his future lay. His first job came via a colleague, who referred him to recently engaged friends
While chance encounters set Milton on his way, patience and careful planning smoothed his transition.
4 ways to calm career change fears
Milton offered this advice on reducing the anxiety around changing careers.
1. Run the numbers
Being "all about calculated risk" and keen to keep his Bondi base, Milton ran the numbers. He calculated how many weddings he'd need to book per year to maintain his lifestyle. He gave himself a year to generate this sizable quota.
2. Dive deep into the industry
Milton immersed himself in all things wedding photography. He checked out his competitors, researched survival rates to 'get a feel for the landscape.'
3. Stage your move
Despite the scary prospect of being shown the door on the day, Milton arranged a meeting with his manager and CEO and proposed a yearlong exit plan. However, his bosses were as gracious and supportive of his goals as they were keen to keep him on while he made the move.
4. Work long hours
Managing the logistics of transitioning was tricky. Working four days a week at his agency job and almost every other waking hour building his business needed energy and endurance.
Has it worked?
Absolutely! Milton now works twice as many hours a week as before, and he loves every minute. An accomplished wedding day storyteller, Milton now mentors emerging photographers in the business of changing careers and the art and science of capturing beautiful images.
Reflecting on his career change experience - Milton wouldn't change a thing.
Although he occasionally misses the swanky lunches that were part of his former life, he thrives on the freedom and flexibility of running his own show.
Milton's 3 top tips
"When you realise what it is you really want to do, go for it! There's never been a better time to start your own business."
"Plan your transition and calculate your risks. This lets you look forward to your new life rather than dreading it, which is the last thing you want from a dream career!"
"Do your research during your transition, so when you start full time, you can hit the ground running."
To see more of Milton's beautiful photos, visit miltongan.com
Keen to calculate your career change risks? I can help.
By Jo Green, Career Change Coach
I know what it feels like to be lost in your career. I also know that when you find what you love, heart and soul, your life changes. I work every day with people who are reshaping their current careers, starting new enterprises or searching for a new direction. Basically I help people who don’t like their job to figure out what to do instead!
As a Careershifters and Firework Advanced Certified Coach and experienced career changer myself, I can help you figure out what fulfilling work looks like for you.
Drop me a note to organise a free 20 minute consultation to chat about your career change and how coaching could help.
