57: Turning your hobby into your next career

When friends began offering to pay him for his photos, Anthony Randazzo started thinking his hobby could become more than just a creative outlet. 

In 2012, Anthony made the bold decision to leave behind his Wall Street law career after he realized it wasn't for him. Eventually, he made the switch from corporate attorney to professional photographer. 

In this throwback episode, Anthony shares how he turned a hobby into a career, the doubts and resistance he faced along the way, and the practical lessons he learned about running his business, 1028 Photography.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your hobby could become your next career, this conversation will give you the inspiration—and the real-world advice—you need.

Episode Highlights:

• Growing up with limited career options
• Discovering your profession isn't a good fit
• Deciding to leave a "dream job"
• Facing initial shock from family and friends 
• Transitioning out of law
• How to get good at photography 
• Researching what it means to be a professional photographer
• Handling doubts about starting a business 
• Getting your first paid gig
• Growing through word of mouth
• Setting up a business
• Learning how to market your business
• Making it through the pandemic
• Learning how to deal with clients (customer service)
• Anthony's advice if you're thinking about breaking out on your own

Find Anthony Randazzo at:

Website: www.1028photo.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/1028photo

Facebook: www.facebook.com/1028photo

Resources Mentioned:

Professional Photographers of America: www.ppa.com

Other photography associations:
https://csus.libguides.com/photography/associations

Want more advice? Check out these additional episodes:

Ep 37: Starting a business after corporate burnout

Ep 29: The ups and downs of building a business

Ep 6: Starting a woman-owned small business

Music credit: TimMoor from Pixabay

Podcast info:
What's your career switch? What do you think about this episode and the show? Tell us at careerswitchpod.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.