Apart from a half-share in what was my grandfather's house, everything I have has been through hard work. I would say I am OK financially, as you are. First degree was part paid for by a local authority grant but everything else ,(professional and postgraduate) , was funded through working. I don't see why I should feel guilty about this as I have also invested a lot of time in charity work throughout my life to give something back.

I was born into a working-class family and education was the route out of what could have been a boring and lacklustre future. But it's also about taking risks and believing in oneself.

I really have little time for people who constantly moan about their situation. The solution is often in our own hands and in our attitude to life and dealing with other people. As someone said, life is not a dress rehearsal and is over too quickly.

For me, I like the challenge of working and surviving in an alien environment. We learn much more about ourselves and our capabilities by stepping outside our comfort zone.

It's also about dealing with the mundane. For over a week I've been trying to find a local supplier of slatboard (sometimes called slatwall). The companies that supply these items in China and the shop fittings to go with it seem to deal in bulk supply - like a container load. I can buy the MDF boards with a grey laminate locally, but in the UK and other countries there are wood finishes that look really good. The intention is to use the board for all displays of photos including those of the local photographic society, replacing the glass shelves -which worry me from a health and safety aspect.

Nest week I'll be standing on the street in the city centre handing out leaflets so we an start the model agency! It's really not about the money but doing something interesting. What I liked about teaching was that no two days were the same. I hope that this is true for the photo business.