# Decision frame: Alex's photography freelance vs supervisor course choice

_Synthetic demonstration based on fictional fixture._

## Situation

Alex works full time as a warehouse shift lead, has three evenings a week free, a small savings buffer, and a two-year-old at home. Alex has been doing weekend photography for friends and enjoys it. A supervisor course at work starts next month.

## Direction

Explore whether freelance photography can become a real path, without burning safety nets or abandoning the chance to advance at work.

## Constraints

- Time: three evenings free per week; weekends already partly used for photography.
- Energy: full-time warehouse work and parenting a two-year-old.
- Money: small savings buffer; cannot take a pay cut this year.
- Obligations: full-time employment and childcare at home.

## The decision

Should Alex take the supervisor course now and delay freelance evaluation, or skip the course and move toward photography now? by 12–18 months.

## Ideas, plans, commitments

- Idea: Build a photography business over time.
- Plan: Take the supervisor course, then review freelance options after completing it.
- Commitment (confirmed): No pay cut this year.

## Options

| Option | Benefit | Cost | Fits constraints? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Take the course, keep the job, and review photography in 6 months | Adds leadership credentials, maintains stable income, uses existing free time | Delays freelance start; course adds workload | Yes |
| Decline the course and launch freelance photography now | Direct pursuit of desired work | Income risk; relies on small savings; conflicts with no-pay-cut constraint | No |
| Take the course while doing a small photography side practice on weekends | Tests market demand without leaving the job | Time and energy strain; childcare logistics | Partially |

## Next test

Run a small reversible step: complete the supervisor course while booking 2–3 paid weekend photography gigs and tracking hours and earnings. by end of next month, to learn whether client demand and pricing can realistically support freelance growth.

## Open questions

- How many evenings per week does the supervisor course require, and can photography work fit around it?
- What minimum monthly income is needed if freelance begins?
- Could the warehouse employer offer flexible scheduling later if photography expands?