The Romaezis

New Life Directions

If you are a Facebook friend reading this, you already know some of my update. In short, I recently resigned from my 6 year career to start my own photography business. You can find my work at http://www.jamieromaezi.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jamieromaeziphotography

I get a lot of questions as to why. That answer is LONG.

I found myself to the point of dreading work every single day. I started looking for open project manager positions and that’s when it clicked. Yes, I’m good at woking with people, keeping them on task and getting projects delivered on time as requested. That wasn’t enough for me though. I simply missed being creative for a living. I need and thrive on having a daily creative outlet. When I went from the television side to advertising, I knew I was risking not fulfilling that need. I just didn’t realize I would be spending all of my free time outside of work dedicated to my need to create.

I can’t possibly cover all reasons for our change on here but i willcover the big ones. I mostly missed my son every single day. I needed him more than an hour in the morning and 2 at night. He also needed me! We spent SO many hours that first year as a preemie in and out if doctors and specialists. I had a tough time balancing. Of course I did exactly what my child needed but I felt so guilty for taking time away from work. Guilt stinks. As a working mom, it stinks worse. You feel guilty if you send your kid to daycare with a runny nose. You feel guilty if your husband stays home instead of you but also, you feel guilty when you stay home because of your obligations to work. I was spinning and felt like I couldn’t win the battle with myself. Every. Single. Day. As he got older and needed fewer specialists that helped a little as I thought it would. It didn’t help completely. I also wanted more quality time with my husband. We do get time after Kam goes to bed but the family time together was always a struggle.

I didn’t want to be at work anymore. I realized that, but I also need TO WORK. I have a mind that just never rests. I know being a stay at home mom is a ton of work. I know myself though and I need something of my own to give me purpose. Daily goals with tangible, measurable, visible outcomes. (Here is yet another way I’m a project manager, huh?) I also want to continue contributing to our household income–need to as well.

I knew I needed to make a change and it was certainly a LONG decision process that took nearly 2 years to make. I mentioned to my husband that in college I told myself that once I was married and could use my spouse’s health insurance benefits I would freelance. Getting out of the TV biz sorta blocked that path for me right now though. I had continued on with photography in the absence of video production and editing.

That is where the photography business discussion started. We talked about it. A LOT. Ultimately we decided to just take a big LEAP! It was tough. I adored supervisor and have known my colleagues and work friends for 6 years. I had worked in 3 different departments at our company and know people who work not only at headquarters but around the country. I met some of my most loyal and best friends at work and work with some very admirable folks with lots of talent. It was hard to leave, Honestly, without a super shove from my sweet, caring encouraging husband who believes in my skill more than I do myself…I would still be doing the daily grind right now. So far, my only regret is not doing this sooner!

I have some work to do to build my client base but I know that will come. I’m thrilled to be home with Kamran every day. I take photos mostly on weekends and some weekdays. I edit at night or nap time when Kam is sleeping and the balance is perfect so far. I can also manage to clean our home and go grocery shopping during the week (heaven). In also still making my hats even though it slows down outside of winter. There are some tough parts like the fact that I’m very critical of myself and my work and feeling the constant need to justify my skill. I’m happy though Kam seems happy. We noticed instantly that he started talking more the week I started staying home. Kayvan is also happy. Especially so since he doesn’t have to go grocery shopping in weekends and gets to sleep in a tad later during the work week.