In this episode of Exit Buddy: Veteran Stories to Guide You, Kathleen and Rachel sit down with Laura Hatcher, a veteran who served as a Navy Diver and intelligence officer before pivoting to professional photography. She opens up about the fear of not having a 5-10-15 year plan, and courageously turning her side-hustle photography passion into a full-time business—complete with walking into a stranger’s studio to ask for mentorship. Laura’s story is a reminder that transition often means reintroducing yourself to yourself, getting out of your own way, and drawing on your military arsenal of discipline and adaptability to build something new.

Chapters

01:50 – Navy Family Roots & Becoming a Diver
05:32 – Transition Fears & Redefining Yourself
10:56 – Getting Out of Your Own Way & Early Retirement Insights
13:28 – Pursuing Photography: From Boredom to Full-Time Business
15:25 – Finding a Mentor
17:20 – Military Skills as Entrepreneurship Foundation
19:01 – Laura’s Five Transition Takeaways

Key Takeaways

Self-Reflection Isn’t Issued in Your Sea Bag: Transition starts with reintroducing yourself to yourself. Figure out what you’re truly passionate about—it may take a year or two after leaving service to clarify.
Get Out of Your Own Way: Laura realized fear of the unknown and self-doubt were bigger barriers than any external obstacle. Especially for women, stop waiting until you meet 100% of the job or role description. Apply, experiment, and allow yourself to grow into opportunities rather than counting yourself out.
Seek Mentors & Accountability Buddies: Laura walked into a stranger’s studio to ask for a mentor and eventually took over that studio space. Surround yourself with people who will challenge and support you, not just echo you.
Leverage Your Military Arsenal: Discipline, strategic thinking, leadership under pressure, and sink-or-swim adaptability are transferable superpowers. When challenges arise in business or life, reflect on similar situations you’ve already mastered.
Never Stop Learning & Stay Uncomfortable: Comfort is the enemy of growth. Keep taking classes, seeking feedback, and pushing into new skills—even when math or the unknown feels overwhelming. The military taught you not to quit.

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Until next time, keep reintroducing yourself—your Exit Buddy is right here with you.

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Fear of the Unknown to Studio Owner: Reintroducing Yourself After Service