Okay, so I'm not really "retired" in the classical definition (my Dad made fun of me when I used that word the other day) but I HAVE retired from Corporate America / 9-5 / "The Man" and freedom has never tasted so good. As many of you know (and I'm sure many of you don't know) I've spent the past 4 years working at a biotech in San Diego as a scientist. Yes, you read that right. A scientist.
All throughout the time I began building our photography business and did my best to get this whole thing off the ground, I was also spending my days in the lab doing science-type things. You know, playing with test tubes and beakers with bubbly and smokey things all around under dramatic lighting. Science stuff. The company I worked for was Biogen Idec, and during my time there I was completely blessed to have gotten to work with some of the most amazing individuals I've ever met, and the friendships I made there are some of the best friendships ever.
Today, I retire from that, and I get to do what I'm passionate about, full time. As of today, Erin and I are both officially full-time lifestyle wedding & portrait photographers
Yes, it certainly has a nice ring to it!
I'm completely thrilled at this new opportunity and this chapter of our lives, and I'm so excited for what's in store I can hardly contain myself! To all of our past, present, and future clients: thank you. Thank you for believing in Erin and I and trusting us to be present and capture the meaningful moments of your lives. Thank you for allowing us in to the special moments you've shared with one another, and allowing us to witness some of the most powerful things I've ever seen. And most of all, thank you for the gracious love that you've offered Erin and I through your friendshipsWe feel so blessed, and it's because of you
Now, isn't someone supposed to give me a watch or something??!?!? j/k
Since posts are always better with pictures, here's an image from what I spent my first afternoon of retirement doing: horse races at Del MarPS: I won!
Horse Races at Del Mar
20 comments
Airika Pope - Just saw this–yeah, haha…you won all of our money!
Congrats again and it was awesome getting to hang with you guys. See you soon!
Adriana - Oh my gosh. I read this post and it made get a little teary eyed… it awesome to see people succeed in this field. It gives us hope that we can retire soon as well! Congratulations!
John McGovern - Jeff! Well done buddy. J and I are so excited for you and Erin as you get to fully focus on your passion now. I can’t wait to see what is up ahead for you both!
oneshotbeyond - WOW. What a jump! Good luck to you!
Betsy, La Vida - Hooray!!! Congrats, Youngren! We’re so happy for you guys, from the bottom of our hearts
Michelle in Mx - You are so right! I had NO IDEA that you did a 9-5, much less a scientist -true-I don’t know you all the well, but I always thought the work you did was a full time job . . the results look like it!
Blessings!
Jeff - @Stephen – dude, I’m totally down for golf ANYTIME! We should play Coronado sometime, I love that course!
Jeff - Thanks everyone for sharing in the excitement! I’m two days in to my first week of work at my new life and I’m soooo excited! I definitely feel pretty dang blessed
Gina - I am very excited for you!
Hey! You know how to write. I’m impressed!
Watch out Erin!
Love you guys! Miss you both bunches!
G
Heather - I know how you feel about working 2 jobs….doing that right now while I put my husband through his PhD and then one day I can “retire”…..enjoy!
Natalie Jorgensen - Congrats Jeff! I remember talking about this moment with you at our very first meeting! How awesome to finally have ths day come!
Jen Disney - YAY!!!! I’m so excited for you! Woo hoo!!!!
Missy Joy - Congrats! So happy for both of you! It’s so encouraging to see that this can be done. I’m anxiously prepping for and awaiting my retirement as well from a job in software program management
Stacy Cross - YAAAAAAAY!!!!!!! So happy for you, friend!!
stan cross - way to go jeff! Here’s to exhiliration and success even beyond your expectations! you’re an inspiration.
Kimberly Sanderson - yay! congratulations!! and welcome to full time life as married wedding photographers. you’ll sleep less, laugh more, argue more, worry more, and you’ll never be happier. blessings on your new conquest!!
Leon Sandoval - Congrats, Jeff!
Stephen Knuth - Congrats!! Thank You to you both for being amazing community leaders & being there to help me with anytime that I have needed it! I am so excited for you Jeff, does this mean you might have time that we could go golfing sometime? I suck at golf but that sounds kind of fun doesn’t it? I am excited to what comes from your business as a result!!
Lain - So excited for you Jeff! From you twitter updates, non-9 to 5 life looks good on you and Erin!
Jeff - Awesome and congrats!