On continuing to make things
This week's Midweek Notes is on my answer to my mother's question, "Are you making enough money?"
When I call my mother in Osaka, she still asks, “Are you making enough money?” I am middle-aged now. I suppose mothers never stop worrying about their children, no matter how old they get.
Income from self-employment is hard to see from the outside. No fixed amount lands in my account each month. There is no payslip. It is no wonder she worries.
Some self-employed people and business owners flaunt expensive purchases, or post the exact figures of their income. It is not very tasteful. But I understand the impulse a little.
Without the steady income of a nine-to-five job, making their income visible may reassure the people around them, and even earn their respect.
Perhaps their mothers ask them the same question. If it sets their mothers’ minds at rest, then putting their income on display starts to seem almost endearing.
I am often asked how I make a living from photography.
These days I make my living from client work, licensing fees, sales of my photobook and Lightroom presets, and writing.
Listed this way, my income may look diversified. In reality, most of my income depends on client work. Companies commission me to shoot, edit, and deliver photographs. Most of this work is for advertising and web content.
Income from client work comes in only while I continue working. I would rather not think about it, but if I became unable to work for some reason, I would lose most of my income.
In fact, from last year into the start of this one, for about half a year around the birth of my son, I held back on client work. It was my own choice, but my income dropped. First-time parenting brought expenses I had not expected. I could not keep my income and expenses in balance as planned.
At times like that, I honestly wish I had a steady nine-to-five job. In Japan, employees can receive partial income replacement while on parental leave. For someone self-employed like me, it sounds like a dream.
