$2 bills used to be gambling money according to my memory. I don't know whether it was really true since I didn't frequent the track or casinos when I was 10, but it was 'common knowledge' among the kids in school with me. I worked in my father's hardware store and we saw $2 bills occasionally. Maybe once a month or so. They were more frequent than $100 bills 'way back then.

I never saved them. I used them to buy things. Still do, when I come across them. The only bill I have saved is a $1 silver certificate. I suspect that after all these years it's worth $1.

Perhaps part of the suggested exercise is to simply not lose any sleep over potential "good shots" that would have required gear thaz not on hand. That in itself is a verrrrrry useful and rewarding exercise. The title asks "Are you up to it ?". Anyone is free to "just say no !". Its clearly not for everyone.

It hubris to feel that if you carry suitable gear to assure that nearly no opportunities fall out of reach that your "success" means anything to anyone.

burkphoto posted a link where a professional photographer talked about... Bridges please realize that photography isn't a profession it is a simply a Craft... It requires no academic credentials, nor does it require license from a governmental agency (State and/or Federal)...

That said there are indeed highly skilled and competent Commercial Photographers that easily can command very high fees to shoot a client's needs and meet their expectations. I know full well since as a member of ASMP I've assisted with quite a few and my Day Rate i.e. per diem is more that spare change.

Same with Fashion Models... Which is also a highly specialize craft... and only a choose few are able to run the gauntlet and survive to go on to become Agency Represented. An example: "In an interview printed in the October 1990 issue of Vogue, Evangelista said: "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day." (with current inflation equivalent to over $22,000

My sincere advice to both you and Burkphoto is to put down your "hammer" and instead get up and out of bed and start trying to book clients. You will likely discover as Burkphoto probably did that unless you are working for an commercial entity that books your clients for you that life in Sales is a bitch.

As for going out every day to experience life as a Photojournalist (i.e. shooting reportage)? Not happening for me... I'm unable to walk more than a few hundred feet on level ground (or walk up several flights stairs) owing to health issues (Stage III Heart Failure) however that doesn't keep me from shooting in my studio non-stop which I do constantly now so I'm able nail the complex illumination scenarios effortlessly and instantly achieve critical focus on a talent's near eye. Oft said When one door closes another opens (that is for those who chose "Carpe diem")

Below is a deliverable from a Christmas Eve commercial shoot... It's all about meeting and/or exceeding client expectations Bridges. The sooner you can except this edict the more likely you'll be able to convert an avocation into a vocation. Also maybe try shooting "Professional Models" a.k.a. Agency Represented talent... When you become proficient enough at your "Craft" you can possibly become a "Testing Photographer" for agencies in your market (where there is no monetary exchange only trade for services.

Hope this helps or is at least food for thought.
Wishing all who strive to become Commercial Photographers much joy & success on your journey.

Just ordered and received an XQD memory card from a used camera on line store: MPB. New, the card cost around $200, used only $87 including tax, free shipping. It works well but physical it misses half of the top cover broken off.
I can't email, can't call to voice my complaint ! Lucky I didn't purchase any expensive item like a camera or a lens. So, the point here is never buy anything second handed that you can't return or contact the seller ! For me, no more MPB from now on ! Hope you guys learn my lesson !