Great video with lots of thought provoking information. My advice would be to ignore almost all of it. If you are into the third or fourth quarter of your working life and have built up some wealth and security don’t blow it on some vanity project. It almost never works, especially if you are new to being self employed. Sure, do it as a sideline. If you are going to do it, make sure you can afford to lose every cent you invest in it. Twice.
Thank you. My view is, if you seek to carve out a niche for yourself in a way that serves others, it's never exclusively a vanity project. Sure, vanity comes into many of our decisions, but if you want to share what you love; or something with which you have significant experience, it has the potential to help others. Whether or not it becomes a financial win or black hole depends on many things I didn't cover here. This video is far from exhaustive; the key key message is that opportunities to reach the world are better than they were 20 years ago. The same issues around motive, risk tolerance, relevance, patience, and market acceptance still apply.
Only a few fortunate people truly live the dream while receiving compensation to do so. Some are financially independent and seek fulfillment in volunteering and helping others. However, most continue to only dream of what could be. Breaking free and putting oneself out there is scary, but the potential reward may be worth the risk. Powerful message, my friend! Thanks for sharing! I love these thought-provoking videos!
@@ScottymanPhoto Very true. Most of us have to do things we don’t particularly enjoy for years before it’s even an option. Unless we’re 18, attractive, and willing to dance on TikTok…
@@ScottymanPhoto Makes it hard to get out and shoot videos, doesn’t it? These full time CZcamsrs certainly have an advantage. I’d love to just do this.
Thank you so much Peter, For about 5 years now I have been photographing community theatre groups and doing events for my friends largely as a hobby . I started doing it for free because I loved it so much and wanted to improve my skills at photography and working with actors was an amazing learning curve. I have studied heaps of CZcams videos and follow a few professional photographers. I now charge a nominal amount for theatre groups except the original theatre group that I initially did and they will always be free. I have also done a couple of weddings. I am 63 years old and work in a totally unsatisfying day job for many years and have been toying with retiring and putting all my effort into my photography. I love love love doing head shots for people and actors and have become very good at lighting and this niche. My friends encourage me every day to quit my day job and follow my passion so I have decided to do exactly that. I have created a brochure and as soon as retire will be cold calling large business in the hope of doing bulk headshot runs as I have done a couple of these already and they are very lucrative and have also had my work, through these companies, displayed on billboards. I cannot wait to retire so I can focus on the last part of my life as a successful photographer. Thank you for your video as it has only helped me affirm my decision to retire and follow my dream - even at my age
yes, you can and you obviously did. I did the same, it is never too late to follow your heart. Besides, what is career? The most important thing in life, I realized (and I am 60 now) is happiness, the luxury to do (for a living) what you love.
Great video Peter I am in exactly that spot in my life at the moment and photography is my outlet and passion. I came across your car photography video as I am also into car photography then found this video, which was great timing. I have been in the timber industry in many roles for 32 years and have been thinking about whether it is time to make a move. Thanks for some thoughts around that.
Interesting stuff Peter, I originally was drawn to your channel (getting on for a year ago) when researching buying my (present) Porsche. I'm glad you started this video with an apology for the sunglasses as you obviously know the significance of eye contact (even though the CZcamsr is only looking at a camera lens😆). You are great talking to camera whereas I'm useless, however what I've taken from this video is the uniqueness of being me, although I do need to up my game a little. I'm certainly not in it for the money (just as well) but I DO want to get a few messages across whilst I can. Thanks again for another great video 👍🏼
@@BriKinsella Thank you, Brian, but you sell yourself short. I was surprised when I saw you’d only posted two videos because my first impression was that you’d been doing this a while. You actually remind me of a longtime friend who conveys a quiet self assurance and no-nonsense approach to communication. You have a lot to offer, so I hope you continue your journey of sharing some of that.
Thanks, Peter. This is greatly helpful and accurate. It sounds simple, but really hard to do, it requires a tremendous amount of effort and discipline. In the middle of the journey one will realize it was definitely worth to start it. I'm 40 and I quite recently started to realize that it is the way to go for me - to try and seek my own ikigai. The harmony, fulfillment and prosperity within myself first and then what I can do for the world. Everybody is capable of doing things they never imagined possible.
Hmm. Fascinating. 59 and rebuilding everything from half way up. Transitioned stills to moving image, flexed the branding experience, re-charged the web skills, harnessed wayfinding design to promote where I live which happens to be Australia’s holiday mecca. I could rant it forever. Its endlessly fascinating. The challenge is massive, the potential for growth is daunting. You are very very correct on all the metrics. Thank you.
@@peterfritzphoto My core skill is graphic design. I always thought I could respond to a design challenge with a pencil, a mouse or a camera. But something happened halfway through the 30 years. I realised if a designer can create a brand, build a website, write copy, produce images, design promotions then you are actually in the business of making businesses. My partner is a very talented scent designer. So we created Fleurage, a custom perfumery. I shifted the graphic design studio over to specialise in wayfinding servicing architects. We moved it all to Surfers Paradise 5 years ago, straight into Covid. Exiting the Covid pause I ran straight into one of those end of life health challenges, the kind that scares existing clients away from handing out contracts. Awesome. Health dealt with, I looked to find a digital promotion platform that leveraged Surfers Paradise as a recognised brand. It wasn't there. There is little heart for promoting Surfers Paradise from local government due to parochial rivalries, it all goes under the heading of the Goldcoast. That is as insane as saying the MCG doesn’t need a website cos there is Destination Melbourne. So this wayfinding, graphic designer with a small business to promote set about building digital tourism infrastructure just for Surfers. So to actually answer your question: www.insurfersparadise.au , www.vividwayfinding.com.au and www.fleurage.com.au . I think you can see why your video resonated. Stepping stones. We owe it to ourselves to evolve. And yes check out my new thing, a reinvention of the traditional postcard. This is our winter. Wish you were here. www.insurfersparadise.au/postcards-stuff-to-do-in-surfers-paradise
Interestinglife analysis as always, with parts that apply even to those of us older retired bunnies who are still hopping around looking for happiness. It does come easier after you have learned a lot of life's lesson that's for sure! Keeping an open mind and glass-half-full attitude helps!
Nice one Peter . It’s sometimes hard to step outside the mainstream but walking the knife edge of responsibility and creative endeavour has its rewards. People like us do things like this. Thanks for delivering again ( shipping sorta doesn’t sound right in Australia lol ) . Great video once again .
Thought provoking and inspirational as always Peter. Love your work. Not sure what I will do with the knowledge but I am thinking about implementation somehow...
Hi Peter, I've been in this very position and I have learnt SO much (I'm 57). It's great you are sharing your experiences but, with the utmost respect, I think you're 'barking up the wrong tree'. I had everything I wanted (car, home, fancy holidays, marriage, health, 'toys', career, etc), but I'd been neglecting my true needs for a long time. Do you know what I discovered (after some very expensive mistakes, divorce, burn out, and the mother of all breakdowns)? That the answer is to get off the first mountain, and get on to the second mountain. What does that mean? It can mean different things to different people but, essentially, the second mountain cannot be about money, status, career, achievements, personal projects, etc. (the first mountain: all the things we chase in the first half of life). None of these things will satisfy us - and you and I both know this deep down. It has to be centred on other people and helping them with THEIR needs. It's simple, but all of society/the media/consumerism/etc tells us to keep chasing goals. The second mountain is also a spiritual climb (memento mori), and it can bring us true riches. Most people do not want to hear any of this - most of us are terrified of losing what we have worked so hard to achieve. But, 2-3 decades from now, we lose it anyway. At my funeral, I'm 100% sure none of my kids or family will eulogise me for my rolex watch, ducati motorbike, or my choice of camera/s. What I hope they will remember is how I tried to help others - especially those in need. I'm no saint! And my acts of charity are small (giving money is easy. Actually helping people is what counts), but they are the greatest motivations in my life. Now, I'm raising two boys to have better priorities than I did, and hoping I can leave the world a slightly better place.
@@bikecameraaction3334 I thoroughly agree with your sentiments. I’ve read David Brooks’ book (and hundreds more), so I know where you’re coming from. The ideals you describe are why I created three different blogs, a podcast, a book, and this CZcams channel. My last blog is still accessible at peterfritz.co. Thanks for watching, and for generously sharing your insights.
@@peterfritzphoto Thanks, Peter. Have you written anything about altruism/giving (time and resources), helping others..? I'd be interested to know your thoughts. It's great that you dedicate so much of your time and content to sharing what you have learnt. Like you, I've read lots of books on subjects similar to The Second Mountain, and concluded few of them offer more than very short term clarity. The single most important lesson I've learned (at the risk of repeating myself) is, help others. It's only when we stop putting ourselves first that we experience true joy. Riding my motorcycle is fun, and my fancy cameras can keep me busy for hours, but weeding the garden for the old lady next door (or just sitting with her when she's lonely) gives me joy and makes me feel I've actually made a difference in the world. Keep up the excellent content!
@@bikecameraaction3334 Indeed I have. I’ve spoken about it, too. Selfless giving - especially when it’s anonymous - is one of the most rewarding (thus, paradoxically, self-ish) things you can do.
@@peterfritzphoto Great channel fella, and it deserves to have a lot more sub's. "However" it ain't helping your cause by you throwing out compliments on the odoman channel videos!!! Maybe you should learn more about him!.🕞🕒🕝🕑🕜
That sunset was so lovely.
@@EwenBell Indeed. I love that spot, too.
Great video with lots of thought provoking information. My advice would be to ignore almost all of it. If you are into the third or fourth quarter of your working life and have built up some wealth and security don’t blow it on some vanity project. It almost never works, especially if you are new to being self employed. Sure, do it as a sideline. If you are going to do it, make sure you can afford to lose every cent you invest in it. Twice.
Thank you. My view is, if you seek to carve out a niche for yourself in a way that serves others, it's never exclusively a vanity project. Sure, vanity comes into many of our decisions, but if you want to share what you love; or something with which you have significant experience, it has the potential to help others. Whether or not it becomes a financial win or black hole depends on many things I didn't cover here. This video is far from exhaustive; the key key message is that opportunities to reach the world are better than they were 20 years ago. The same issues around motive, risk tolerance, relevance, patience, and market acceptance still apply.
Only a few fortunate people truly live the dream while receiving compensation to do so. Some are financially independent and seek fulfillment in volunteering and helping others. However, most continue to only dream of what could be. Breaking free and putting oneself out there is scary, but the potential reward may be worth the risk. Powerful message, my friend! Thanks for sharing! I love these thought-provoking videos!
@@ScottymanPhoto Very true. Most of us have to do things we don’t particularly enjoy for years before it’s even an option. Unless we’re 18, attractive, and willing to dance on TikTok…
@@peterfritzphoto HAHA! Yeah, I happy with my hobbies and I appreciate the time I have now. Who know what's next 😃
@@ScottymanPhoto True indeed. I don’t know if I’ve ever asked: are you still working?
@@peterfritzphotoYes, still hitting hard every day!
@@ScottymanPhoto Makes it hard to get out and shoot videos, doesn’t it? These full time CZcamsrs certainly have an advantage. I’d love to just do this.
Thank you so much Peter, For about 5 years now I have been photographing community theatre groups and doing events for my friends largely as a hobby . I started doing it for free because I loved it so much and wanted to improve my skills at photography and working with actors was an amazing learning curve. I have studied heaps of CZcams videos and follow a few professional photographers. I now charge a nominal amount for theatre groups except the original theatre group that I initially did and they will always be free. I have also done a couple of weddings. I am 63 years old and work in a totally unsatisfying day job for many years and have been toying with retiring and putting all my effort into my photography. I love love love doing head shots for people and actors and have become very good at lighting and this niche. My friends encourage me every day to quit my day job and follow my passion so I have decided to do exactly that. I have created a brochure and as soon as retire will be cold calling large business in the hope of doing bulk headshot runs as I have done a couple of these already and they are very lucrative and have also had my work, through these companies, displayed on billboards. I cannot wait to retire so I can focus on the last part of my life as a successful photographer. Thank you for your video as it has only helped me affirm my decision to retire and follow my dream - even at my age
@@christophersharman8171 That’s so good to hear! Thank you for this generous comment, Christopher, and all the best to you in your next chapter!
yes, you can and you obviously did. I did the same, it is never too late to follow your heart. Besides, what is career? The most important thing in life, I realized (and I am 60 now) is happiness, the luxury to do (for a living) what you love.
Very true, David. Nice to see you over here, too. I hope we get to know each other a little as you make more videos. I’ll be watching with interest.
@@peterfritzphoto same here and I really do hope to get to know you more, too 😀
Great video Peter I am in exactly that spot in my life at the moment and photography is my outlet and passion. I came across your car photography video as I am also into car photography then found this video, which was great timing. I have been in the timber industry in many roles for 32 years and have been thinking about whether it is time to make a move. Thanks for some thoughts around that.
@@brettwooderson7442 Happy to have helped a little, Brett.
Interesting stuff Peter, I originally was drawn to your channel (getting on for a year ago) when researching buying my (present) Porsche. I'm glad you started this video with an apology for the sunglasses as you obviously know the significance of eye contact (even though the CZcamsr is only looking at a camera lens😆). You are great talking to camera whereas I'm useless, however what I've taken from this video is the uniqueness of being me, although I do need to up my game a little. I'm certainly not in it for the money (just as well) but I DO want to get a few messages across whilst I can. Thanks again for another great video 👍🏼
@@BriKinsella Thank you, Brian, but you sell yourself short. I was surprised when I saw you’d only posted two videos because my first impression was that you’d been doing this a while. You actually remind me of a longtime friend who conveys a quiet self assurance and no-nonsense approach to communication. You have a lot to offer, so I hope you continue your journey of sharing some of that.
@@peterfritzphoto Thanks for the encouragement Peter 👍🏼
Thanks, Peter. This is greatly helpful and accurate. It sounds simple, but really hard to do, it requires a tremendous amount of effort and discipline. In the middle of the journey one will realize it was definitely worth to start it. I'm 40 and I quite recently started to realize that it is the way to go for me - to try and seek my own ikigai. The harmony, fulfillment and prosperity within myself first and then what I can do for the world. Everybody is capable of doing things they never imagined possible.
@@lawabidingcitizen1-e7f Thanks for watching and for sharing your experience so far. Your generous comment contains a lot of wisdom.
Hmm. Fascinating. 59 and rebuilding everything from half way up. Transitioned stills to moving image, flexed the branding experience, re-charged the web skills, harnessed wayfinding design to promote where I live which happens to be Australia’s holiday mecca. I could rant it forever. Its endlessly fascinating. The challenge is massive, the potential for growth is daunting. You are very very correct on all the metrics. Thank you.
@@inSurfersParadise Thanks for chiming in again. I wish I was in Surfers now! What business do you do up there?
@@peterfritzphoto My core skill is graphic design. I always thought I could respond to a design challenge with a pencil, a mouse or a camera. But something happened halfway through the 30 years. I realised if a designer can create a brand, build a website, write copy, produce images, design promotions then you are actually in the business of making businesses. My partner is a very talented scent designer. So we created Fleurage, a custom perfumery. I shifted the graphic design studio over to specialise in wayfinding servicing architects. We moved it all to Surfers Paradise 5 years ago, straight into Covid. Exiting the Covid pause I ran straight into one of those end of life health challenges, the kind that scares existing clients away from handing out contracts. Awesome.
Health dealt with, I looked to find a digital promotion platform that leveraged Surfers Paradise as a recognised brand. It wasn't there.
There is little heart for promoting Surfers Paradise from local government due to parochial rivalries, it all goes under the heading of the Goldcoast. That is as insane as saying the MCG doesn’t need a website cos there is Destination Melbourne. So this wayfinding, graphic designer with a small business to promote set about building digital tourism infrastructure just for Surfers.
So to actually answer your question: www.insurfersparadise.au , www.vividwayfinding.com.au and www.fleurage.com.au . I think you can see why your video resonated. Stepping stones. We owe it to ourselves to evolve. And yes check out my new thing, a reinvention of the traditional postcard. This is our winter. Wish you were here. www.insurfersparadise.au/postcards-stuff-to-do-in-surfers-paradise
Hi Peter, terrific video, highly relevant and beautifully made. Thanks.
@@adammacfie8591 Thanks a lot, Adam.
Interestinglife analysis as always, with parts that apply even to those of us older retired bunnies who are still hopping around looking for happiness. It does come easier after you have learned a lot of life's lesson that's for sure! Keeping an open mind and glass-half-full attitude helps!
@@juanitakelly3082 Always positive, Juanita! 💙
Nice one Peter . It’s sometimes hard to step outside the mainstream but walking the knife edge of responsibility and creative endeavour has its rewards. People like us do things like this. Thanks for delivering again ( shipping sorta doesn’t sound right in Australia lol ) . Great video once again .
@@chriscummins4282 I love a good Godin quote. You’re right about that bloody knife edge. It’s hard, alright. Thanks as always, Chris.
@@peterfritzphoto are you on TIKTok? I want more Porsche content
Thought provoking and inspirational as always Peter. Love your work. Not sure what I will do with the knowledge but I am thinking about implementation somehow...
@@mheeler Thanks, mate. I always appreciate your comments.
Now if I can only figure out a way to get paid to watch #PeterFritz videos. :p
LOL
Hi Peter, I've been in this very position and I have learnt SO much (I'm 57). It's great you are sharing your experiences but, with the utmost respect, I think you're 'barking up the wrong tree'. I had everything I wanted (car, home, fancy holidays, marriage, health, 'toys', career, etc), but I'd been neglecting my true needs for a long time. Do you know what I discovered (after some very expensive mistakes, divorce, burn out, and the mother of all breakdowns)? That the answer is to get off the first mountain, and get on to the second mountain. What does that mean? It can mean different things to different people but, essentially, the second mountain cannot be about money, status, career, achievements, personal projects, etc. (the first mountain: all the things we chase in the first half of life). None of these things will satisfy us - and you and I both know this deep down. It has to be centred on other people and helping them with THEIR needs. It's simple, but all of society/the media/consumerism/etc tells us to keep chasing goals. The second mountain is also a spiritual climb (memento mori), and it can bring us true riches. Most people do not want to hear any of this - most of us are terrified of losing what we have worked so hard to achieve. But, 2-3 decades from now, we lose it anyway. At my funeral, I'm 100% sure none of my kids or family will eulogise me for my rolex watch, ducati motorbike, or my choice of camera/s. What I hope they will remember is how I tried to help others - especially those in need. I'm no saint! And my acts of charity are small (giving money is easy. Actually helping people is what counts), but they are the greatest motivations in my life. Now, I'm raising two boys to have better priorities than I did, and hoping I can leave the world a slightly better place.
None of this means throwing out your personal projects/goals. It just means re-prioritising and developing a new perspective.
@@bikecameraaction3334 I thoroughly agree with your sentiments. I’ve read David Brooks’ book (and hundreds more), so I know where you’re coming from. The ideals you describe are why I created three different blogs, a podcast, a book, and this CZcams channel. My last blog is still accessible at peterfritz.co. Thanks for watching, and for generously sharing your insights.
@@peterfritzphoto Thanks, Peter. Have you written anything about altruism/giving (time and resources), helping others..? I'd be interested to know your thoughts. It's great that you dedicate so much of your time and content to sharing what you have learnt. Like you, I've read lots of books on subjects similar to The Second Mountain, and concluded few of them offer more than very short term clarity. The single most important lesson I've learned (at the risk of repeating myself) is, help others. It's only when we stop putting ourselves first that we experience true joy. Riding my motorcycle is fun, and my fancy cameras can keep me busy for hours, but weeding the garden for the old lady next door (or just sitting with her when she's lonely) gives me joy and makes me feel I've actually made a difference in the world.
Keep up the excellent content!
@@bikecameraaction3334 Indeed I have. I’ve spoken about it, too. Selfless giving - especially when it’s anonymous - is one of the most rewarding (thus, paradoxically, self-ish) things you can do.
@@peterfritzphoto Yes, selfish if you do it for yourself. But if it's genuinely for the good of the other...
If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.
That was my life 35 years ago. 👍
you beat around the bush … for ever 👎🗑️
I'm still learning.
@@peterfritzphoto Great channel fella, and it deserves to have a lot more sub's. "However" it ain't helping your cause by you throwing out compliments on the odoman channel videos!!! Maybe you should learn more about him!.🕞🕒🕝🕑🕜
Bummed Natalie Lynn @nataliexlynn has not put a new video out in 7 months.
@@TroySwezey Me too. I just went searching last night. She did that Nikon promo, and then nothing.