(Closed) What to do in this job situation?

posted 6 years ago in Career
Post # 1
Member
69 posts
Worker bee
  • Wedding: May 2012

In advance, sorry if this is long.

I currently have two jobs – I work part time for a party rental company and part time for a wedding photographer. I really dislike working for the rental company, but I am getting some pretty great deals on stuff for my wedding. I have worked for the wedding photographer for about 1.5 years. I really like him, and we get along great. However, I am his only employee (besides himself) and he can only give me a max of 30 hours in the summer, from April through September (peak wedding season). He plans on having me assist him at weddings (like I had done last summer) but this time for 2-3 weddings a month, verses the 1 a month I got last year.

I know this seems like some unnessecary info, but I’m getting there!

My main question/concern is, neither of these jobs have benefits, and both are fairly low-paying ($9/hr). Fiance and I are getting married in May, and I will be the sole provider for the next 2 years while he finishes grad school to be a physical therapist. It’s an accelerated program where he gets his Docorate in 6 years, but this means he can’t work summers, and has to do clinical interships (40 hours/week unpaid) instead.

Even though I like working for this wedding photographer, I do not see him being able to give me a raise any time soon, and right now I’m only working 12 hours/week for him and that’s pushing it. He honestly barely has the work to keep me busy, and my hours are going to be cut after wedding season ends in October. I will have to get another part time job, probably low-paying without benefits.

So… do I get a new job after wedding season? Or do I stick with him for the next two years?

Some other info that may influence your answer: I have an Associate’s Degree in Photography. I do want to do something photography-related, but would rather, especially at this point in my life, have a higher paying, stable job, hopefully with benefits of some kind. I also understand that this is my choice and decsion, but I’m hoping the Hive will have some helpful input!!

 

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Post # 3
Member
4824 posts
Honey bee

I can only answer for myself. I would look for a better paying job that could be a career, but try to keep the photog job on the side.

Sadly, money does make the world go round and is a major cause of fights and stress in a relationship so the more secure you can be on that front the better it will be for you two right now.

Also, health insurance is REALLY REALLY important. If you get in an accident, break your bones, get diagnosed with a disease, need surgery you have just guaranteed yourself financial hardship for nearly the rest of your life.

Post # 4
Member
241 posts
Helper bee

Have you considered getting your own freelance photography gigs? Perhaps doing pregnancy shoots, senior pictures, or family photos. This might help supplement your income and lead to you having enough independent clients that you dont solely depend on him for photo work.

Post # 5
Hostess
16213 posts
Honey Beekeeper

I agree that maybe you could get a stable, full-time jobs with benefits and try to hold onto the photog. job on the side? If you’re going to be supporting yourself and your husband, benefits and health insurance are important.

One of my best friends is in PT school, so I know just what you mean about the demanding hours and summer clinicals. It may be really helpful for the start of your marriage for you to have some stability. It sounds like you could hold onto some of the photography work on the side, so you don’t have to give up all ties to your dream career. And then maybe once your FI/husband is finished with school, you’ll be able to focus a lot more on making the photog. dream happen!

Good luck hun. 🙂

Post # 6
Member
69 posts
Worker bee
  • Wedding: May 2012

Thanks everyone!

I have tried to do my own photo stuff on the side, but people balk when they see I’m so young and inexperienced – which is completely understandable. I do the “school photos” for a preschool every year and have done some sports teams in the past. I’ve also tried working a “traditional” 9-5 job and work at the office for photo-guy nights, but it’s just too much.

I’ll probably just do weekend stuff and look into getting a good stable job!

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