There’s a huge appeal to working for yourself and trying to make your own money, there’s a risk that makes it seem romantic in a lot of ways. Add to that the seductive nature of the road and traveling and you have yourself a Steinbeck or Kerouac novel on your hands.

What’s often forgotten— or in my case completely ignored because of hubris— is how hard it is to actually make money as a freelancer. Emailing pitches, writing articles and trying to get them published, practically begging people to buy your photos (or t-shirts, of which there are still plenty left), and just trying to get your name out there as a quality writer and photographer.

From August to November, I was living almost carefree, driving everywhere, interviewing people, writing stories on events, taking photos in national parks, participating in veteran-oriented programs to later write a story, and generally feeling like I could and would do that forever.

But then, the stories didn’t get published, the photos took longer to sell, and gas money started to run low.

I’m not complaining; I know that’s how the business works and that it takes a while to get established and editors are always leery of new writers with a relatively unproven record. Hell, if I were in their shoes, I’d send most pitches to the spam folder.

I guess, my hubris got the better of me. “I can make a living doing this, look at how great of a writer I am, look at the photos I take, look at the life I’m living. Everyone should want to read the stories I write.”

It’s been a humbling experience to be sure.

For now, I’m working part-time gigs cleaning stalls at a horse ranch, throwing trees into a chipper, and any other work I can find. I’m extremely appreciative of everyone who’s given me the opportunity to work for them.

In some ways, it’s been a blessing. I’ve had the opportunity to research new ways to continue doing what I love while making money at the same time, I’ve been able to spend more time with my niece and nephew, and I’ve been able to work with some truly generous people. Plus there’s something therapeutic about working outside and smelling like horse piss at the end of the day.

Recently, I’ve started reaching out to local business to see if they are in need of new photos for their website, offices, or dining areas, offered to help a couple people set up Instagram accounts to help grow their business a little and gain credibility within the community, and have essentially tried to start building a local reputation so I can expand as I get more established.

It’s definitely not going the way I planned—although when has life ever gone the way any of us planned— but I am still happy with my decision to break away from the normal 9-5 cubicle/desk jobs and do what I love for a living.

So even though I’m at somewhat of a stand still, I’m making the best of the situation and still chasing my dream and trying to make it work the best I can.

In the words of Jimmy Dugan from A League of Their Own, “it’s supposed to be hard. The hard is what makes it great.”

Don’t worry about me, I’ll figure it out.

Keep Your Feet Moving

As an aside, if you’re in the Oregon or Washington areas and are in need of some photos, feel free to shoot me a message.