I must leave my photography hobby behind ...

[btaylor]

Well who knows, it might be a good opportunity for you to pursue a different career or head in a new direction. A change can sometimes be a great thing.


My Dad was made redundant from his job of 18 years in May and really didn

[Colin500]

I wish you all the best, that you

[bob williams]

Denise, Sorry to hear about your troubles. Like the others, I really enjoy your contributions to this site and I sincerely hope you find away to keep your equipment. I once had an old employment specialist tell me this: "Find a job now, look for a career later". These were valuable words to me perhaps they can work for you. By the way, I

[neuroanatomist]

@ John - i absolutely love that photo of your daughter!! May I ask what you used for the background and that she is kneeling on?

Thanks, Denise. It's just a pink paper backround (the 10' wide paper rolls that mount on the wall). It was at a local photo studio before the shoot, which wasbefore I had a home studio setup. Might go back even now that I have a setup at home, just for the live bunnies at Easter. FWIW, the studio cameras were Nikon D90s and the 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR kit lenses.

I am seriously considering the advice of just downgrading my gear and see if I can at all keep something for my own sanity sake.

I think that's a wise choice, Denise. Good luck with your decisions!


--John

[Sean Setters]

Denise-


I

[ddt0725]

Thank you so much for the overwhelming support! I have truly found some great friends here!!


I did find out today that they are going to give me one month of severance pay. So, that will at least give me some time to figure all of this out!

[HiFiGuy1]

Denise,


First, I am so sorry to hear that you lost your job. One of my cousins has been out of work largely for about three years, on and off. He's a certified Paramedic and Fireman. but just now has a job making $13/hr as a driver for a gravel truck. He lost his wife and home because of it. It is very, very sad, but keep your head up, it will get better. I do think you should keep as much of your essential camera gear as possible, because I believe you will find employment again soon, and your photography obviously gives you, and us, great pleasure.


I want to say one thing about being replaced, and that is I don't think they see it as your experience meaning nothing and her 2 years meaning everything. I am sure there was sarcasm involved in that comment and I know you are rightfully bitter about the situation, but I will say that I am confident that at least part of the decision was a reduction of compensation. I bet she makes a lot less than you did, and though she sounds far less qualified, bean counters sometimes look solely at the bottom line. As a business owner myself, I never saw it that way, but there are some really short-sighted people all over corporate America that don't see anything but the bottom line, and only from one perspective. They will miss your competency soon enough, and maybe even financially, but they'll probably be too stupid or proud (same thing) to call you and beg you to come back.


In the meantime, we are here for you.

[Richard Lane]

Hi Denise,


Sorry, to hear about your situation. I hope that you will find new work as quickly as possible. I understand that you lost your job, but remember that no one can ever take away your passion.


How about looking for some work as an assistant to a wedding photographer and then working your way up quickly to a second shooter. It sounds like a great way to break into the field. Also, keep in mind that many companies usually need to hire more people for the holidays.


If it does come to a point in time that you have to let go of some of your gear to cover expenses, then perhaps you can at least hold onto your camera and a lens or two.


However, if all else fails then I will lend you some of my gear and I'm sure that there are others here that would do the same. As you mentioned we have all become friends here, and friends need to be there in good times and in bad.


After-all, passion is something that we can all share!


Rich

[ddt0725]

Thank you so much, Rich! The friends I have made here mean the world to me!


I do not know where this new road in life is going to lead me but I do know that life as I knew it will never be the same. I have a tough road ahead but I truly believe a person isn't given more than they can handle ...I just need to figure out how to handle it. I've walked more than my share of tough roads, it is just a shock to me that at this stage of my life ...I'm faced with yet another! It's amazing how something that takes years to build can be taken away so easily and so quickly.


I finally got my daughter to start college after taking a few years off after high school (this is her first semester) and this has already put more stress on her than I care to see! I do not need this affecting her education in any way either!

I do want to stress to you Rich and to everyone how much I truly appreciate everyone's concern and well wishes! The support I have received from everyone here is so amazing! Thank you so very, very much!

Denise

[Jordan]

Hi Denise,


Have you ever considered doing the photography as your business? You say that your photography hasn