Between uncertainty and success …
…and the real truth we all experience at one point despite what social media says.
Forbes says, "Leave while you are at the top of your game or just after you peak." Do you agree with that?
I somewhat do. All these years before I did photography professionally, each time I was at my peak at my old job, I would try to step up the ladder. Just after reaching the top of what was “top” for me, I took a leap, left Germany, and jumped into… uncertainty (and into a plane all the way to Colorado).
Even though things are going great most of the time, I kid you not when I say that just a few days ago, I was having a conversation with my husband during dinner about whether I made the right choice by cutting all ties in Germany and giving up my good career for… well, for what? My answer: uncertainty.
(Obviously, I love my dear husband and our little Lilli, who is growing and practicing somersaults in my belly, so the move was worth it either way. But this was solely a reflection on my career choice.)
In times when social media tries to tell us how great everything is, it’s even harder to believe the reality outside of the digital world.
For me, personally, it was uncertainty about whether I’m good enough compared to others. But was that the real reason for my reflection on whether I made the right choice? Or was this merely a reflection on what social media tries to tell me?
I found out the real reason for my thoughts was whether I would get what I had with my last job. My last job provided stability, constant work (which I generally love), and people that needed me. And don’t we all need to be needed?!
In these times, I turn to myself to reflect and investigate further, talk to my husband, my friends, and my family. My conclusion is this:
It’s not a race; it’s a marathon. Approach with patience and endurance rather than speed. The importance of long-term persistence and steady effort over quick, short-term gains is much more successful because success comes from sustained, consistent work rather than rushing to achieve immediate results.
And most importantly: it doesn’t matter if you’re an aspiring artist or an already established professional, we all struggle at one point or another. The reasons for the struggle can look very different for everyone, but they will very much come down to one thing: self-doubt and questions. It.happens.to.everyone. Believe me on that.