so ive been flying part time for about two years now, got my Part 107 maybe 8 months ago, and ive been picking up small real estate gigs on the side while keeping my day job. the real estate stuff has been pretty steady honestly, like 2-3 shoots a week some months, and i keep wondering if theres a point where it makes sense to just jump in and do this full time.

my main worry is the slow seasons. i live in the midwest so winter basically kills outdoor shoots for like 3-4 months. i dont know if theres enough other work to fill that gap ? construction progress stuff maybe, or inspections? i looked into the inspection side a little but it seems like you need way more experience and probably better equipment than my mavic 3.

anyone here actually made the leap to full time freelance and can talk honestly about whether it pays the bills? not looking for the "follow your dreams" answer, more like what the actual numbers look like day to day

honest answer ? it depends a lot on where you are and how much hustle you're willing to put in before the work comes to you. i went full time about three years ago after doing exactly what you're doing, and the first year was rough. not gonna sugarcoat it. real estate alone will not carry you through winter in the midwest, you're right about that.

what ended up filling the gaps for me was building relationships with a couple of local contractors who needed progress shots on a semi-regular schedule, and i also started doing some aerial video for local events in the warmer months. the inspection work is real but you're right that clients want to see experience with specific deliverables ? thermal work especially requires a whole different investment. i'd say start trying to diversify your client base now while you still have the safety net of the day job. don't jump until you have at least 3 or 4 different types of clients lined up.

not full time yet but following this thread because im in almost exactly the same spot. one thing i heard is that a lot of guys supplement with stock footage sales during slow periods ? havent tried it myself so no idea if it actually moves the needle financially but seemed worth mentioning