I just read an interview with freelance photographer Alice Gao, and so much of it resonated with me that I had to share.

What have been some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?

I love that every week is different….It’s also greatly rewarding to work with other creatives and be inspired by one another. And since I work for myself, it’s nice to know that the amount of work I put into something directly translates to any successes I may have.

What have been some of the most difficult aspects of your job?

It can be lonely and tedious on days I’m in the apartment all day just doing admin-work and editing. [Replace “editing” with “practicing” for me.]

…I still struggle to find a balance between overbooking myself and being restless on days I’m not actively shooting. Also, standing up for what you think your work is worth can be a challenge, as it’s never fun to argue for a better rate.

Read the full interview at Feather Factor.