What I found becoming self employed.

I've been self employed for 7 years now, 10 all together before I figured out my actual goal of what I wanted to do.Within that time frame, I've done a plethora of genres (I am a photographer) and I would say have had some considerable success, but along with that also has come a few things that I didn't anticipate.So I wanted to share what I've learned.Community over competition is merely a mindset that all people on the same level / playing field are going to tell themselves in an attempt to keep good standing with each other. Once you venture outside of the community you'll really notice a lot of hostility and even negativity too. So often my own interpretation of success has brought about a few critics that I didn't warrant, but seem to happen. I'm still convinced there is a group of people who don't like me because I continually choose to work harder, because I love it, not because I'm obligated to.Second, sacrificing something in order to get to a level of success means something. For me it was giving up partying, drinking, being around friends -- I still keep in touch with them on Facebook, Instagram, might swing by a birthday party to say hello but it's a brief interaction. I've graduated to the mindset that if I'm not doing something productive, then I should be. Otherwise, if I just continually get drunk then I'm wasting so much potential time to be doing something productive.You are what you put in, meaning that you more of you you pour into yourself and your business the more return you see but the longer the legacy will run. I have people wanting to book me in another state based on work I did nearly 4 years ago -- that blows my mind, what I feel I do isn't as significant, means the world to someone else and that's why I do what I do. As long as the demand is there, I shall continue to keep doing it.It's lonely at the top. Sure, this is a common mantra, but it really is -- it's just you doing what you love and working almost 24/7, success can only come from you if you're willing to put the work in. I haven't dated in almost 2 years and though I meet a lot of people with my line of work I know that I have to basically repeat the same sort of personality each wedding that I shoot and keep professional and not take the easy bait of a vulnerable person.These are my insights from what I've learned being self employed, if they are any value to anyone. see hubwealthy.com/wealthy