046: Finding Your Focus When Life Calls for a Scene Change

Taking the Leap: Is Fear Holding You Back?

Do you ever feel like you’re just going through the motions, stuck in a job that doesn’t light you up inside? That’s a feeling many of us know too well. It’s like being on a never-ending treadmill—moving but not going anywhere exciting. When you think about making a big change, like switching careers to follow what truly excites you, it can feel like standing at the edge of a cliff. The idea of jumping into the unknown is scary! But it’s also a crucial step in finding your focus.

Listen, I get it. The fear of leaving something secure for something uncertain is terrifying but also thrilling. It’s a big risk but think about the reward—waking up excited every morning because you are passionate about what you do. Isn’t that kind of happiness worth chasing?

So, let’s circle back to that feeling on the treadmill. Are you really okay with just moving along without heading towards what makes you truly happy? Or is it time to consider taking a step off and finding a new path that lights up your life?

Finding Courage in Uncertainty

Evan’s journey wasn’t an overnight success story. He transitioned from a secure academic path to the uncertain world of photography. Evan shares, “I just felt very displaced realizing that the graduate program wasn’t what I wanted, even though for a long time, I thought it was.”

It’s scary to step away from a secure paycheck to pursue a passion. Evan confesses, “It was not a given that going into photography at that point would work out.” His story highlights the real fear and doubt that comes with such a significant change.

Evan emphasizes the importance of having support during this transition. “I was lucky, seeing my family’s here. So I wasn’t going to New York without any resources or any network.” Support can be a game-changer when you’re venturing into new territories.

We’ve seen through Evan’s story that while changing careers is daunting, it’s also possible and potentially life-changing. It requires courage, support, and a lot of hard work, but the reward is living a life aligned with your passions.

About Evan

Evan Sung is a prominent food, lifestyle, and travel photographer based in Brooklyn, NY.

A native Manhattanite, he is equally at home in the world at large, as illustrated by his work, which in the past year alone has taken him from Iceland to Emilia-Romagna, from Senegal to Seventh Avenue.

In addition to his long freelance tenure with The New York Times, Evan has traveled and photographed for clients like Vogue, Wall Street Journal, GQ, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Gourmet, Art Culinaire, Delta SKY, and many others.

Evan has photographed over 40 cookbooks, often with Michelin-caliber chefs, including “To The Bone” (Clarkson Potter) with Chef Paul Liebrandt, “Classico E Moderno” (Random House) with Chef Michael White, “Marc Forgione” (Houghton Mifflin) with Chef Marc Forgione and “North” (Ten Speed Press) with Icelandic Chef Gunnar Gislason. Recent cookbooks include Chef Missy Robbins’ “Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner…Life” (Rizzoli) and David Tanis’ fourth cookbook “Market Cooking” (Artisan).

Action Checklist

Reflect on personal interests to identify potential career shifts within three weeks.
Gather and study 5-10 stories of individuals who successfully changed careers by next month.
Attend at least two networking events or webinars related to desired field within two months.
Draft a detailed plan for transitioning careers, including necessary skills and education, within four weeks.
Schedule and conduct at least three informational interviews with professionals in the target industry by next month.
Review personal finances to ensure sustainability during a career transition, complete assessment in one month.
Revise and tailor resume and portfolio to reflect the targeted career path, complete within six weeks.
Begin a small project related to the new field to gain practical experience, start within two months.

Episode Breakdown

Evan explains the uncertainties and adjustments after leaving a graduate program to pursue photography full-time.
The unpredictable nature of photography and the importance of adaptability and resilience in creative careers.
Evan shares how he got his first significant job through Craigslist and the valuable lessons learned from working in different environments.
Evan talks about moving back to New York, finding new opportunities, and adapting to life’s unexpected changes.
Insights into how Evan builds rapport with chefs and clients during photo shoots, highlighting the importance of making subjects feel comfortable.
Evan discusses his calm demeanor during shoots and how it helps maintain a productive environment even under stress.
Evan explains what drives his continued passion for food photography, including the variety and community within the hospitality industry.
Evan shares how he navigated the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on adaptive strategies and personal projects.
The importance of professional conduct and personal growth in building a successful career in photography.