It’s never too late to pivot your career. Yes, you may have already settled into a sector or role but sometimes, just sometimes, those skills that you already have will set you up for the next phase in your career! This month’s Inspiring Parent has built two solid businesses. On paper, they aren’t connected. But when you read on, you will see how you CAN develop a career to enjoy.
My name is Sarah Baldock and I am an award-winning maternity and newborn photographer working from my home studio in Kings Bromley, Staffordshire. I have three sons aged 11, nine and nearly seven and they are most definitely my motivation.
It was the birth of my youngest son that encouraged me to look at a complete career change. I completed a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and then spent three years in research and finally moved into medical writing, which I did for 15 years. I had always been interested in photography and spent a lot of time helping my Dad develop his own film, but it was only when my youngest son was six months old that I had what could only be described as an epiphany!! My three children were growing up so fast, but I had never properly captured those first few days and weeks. It was this stark realisation that led me to give up my medical writing career and pursue a career in maternity and newborn photography.
I was determined that I was going to achieve the qualifications I needed to be the best photographer I could and so I took a photography diploma with The Photography Institute and also trained with some of the leading national and international newborn photographers. Being a Mum myself I know how precious newborn babies are so I wanted to make sure I had received full safety training as well as photography training. I also achieved my Licentiate and Newborn Certification with the Master Photographer Association.
I was a freelance Medical Writer for 12 years so I was used to running my own business as I set up a limited company. Although the actual running of the business was very different between medical writing and a photography business, it did mean that I went into the new venture with an idea of how to run a business.
From a business perspective, there have been a number of challenges, some of which I overcame and some of which still exist now! The main challenge was finding clients. In medical writing, I had a few key clients and they kept me busy and I didn’t really need to look for additional work. Now I am always having to look for new clients, which is much more time consuming that before.
I have really learned that the photography side of the business is actually one of the smaller and easier parts of the job! By building up my network of ‘joint ventures’ as well as nurturing previous clients, I have started to achieve a more steady stream of clients. It is something that can never be taken for granted and nurturing new marketing pillars is a must.
From a parenting perspective, it is definitely the juggling! I want to be there for all the boy’s achievements while they are young and trying to juggle work and parent life is hard. By setting boundaries for work and family, it does make it possible, although I can’t say I always stick to the work/family boundaries however hard I try!
I am quite an introvert and so I think the biggest thing that has surprised me is how much I love getting to know my clients and how many of them see me as a key part of their family’s journey! I know how very important capturing these special memories are and watching my clients faces as they see their artwork for the first time is very special and something I had really underestimated. I think how proud my boys are of my business has also surprised me!
For anyone thinking of making a change, I would say life is very short and so if you have a dream try everything you can to make it happen. I was lucky as my husband has been very supportive, but I think I would have gone for it either way. Always have a plan in place, with a contingency plan just in case but go for it. I am sure you won’t regret it.
If you considering a career change, then make a list of how you can make it happen. What do you need to bridge your skills gaps and, then, take the first step! It’s never too late!
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After career inspiration? Check out the other Inspiring Parents on the blog.
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Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
