Photographer
Although I’ve done more than just photography in the past 40 years, it’s been my main focus (pun intended) off and on during those decades. I’ve worked in commercial photo labs, one hour labs, and camera stores. I managed a Ritz Camera store in FL for many years before moving to Colorado for a job with Wolf Camera. In early 2007 I “retired” from Managing that Wolf Camera store and moved on to other pursuits.
I shoot more for my own work now than paid work.
ex-IT guy and Webmaster
Roughly ten years of my career(s) was spent in the computer/IT field. I’ve built, sold, and supported computer components and full systems (remember XT’s and 286/386 chips?). I’ve worked a HelpDesk and installed networking equipment. I’ve helped install and maintain a large phone system. I worked too many hours and too many weekends. I’m glad to have left that arena.
I got exposure to web design as an IT guy working at an advertising/publishing company in Florida. We hosted websites for our customers and I got to learn the basics of putting together websites. Fast forward to now and I’ve had to re-learn a lot. WordPress, HTML5 and CSS are the tools I now use for building sites.
In 2008 I started working on various online enterprises. After lots of research on SEO (search engine optimization), website design and the like I put up a few websites. I still work every day on improving and adding to them.
Man of leisure?
Being self-employed implies that you don’t work a full week, you work in your PJ’s and don’t shower regularly. Partly true. In fact, it’s just like having a regular job. Except now I am the boss of me. It takes a lot more discipline to work for yourself, but I can see that the rewards far outweigh the risks.