Yes, do it while you still economically can.
There are more quality videos uploaded each day than it is possible to watch 24-7.
A Canadian friend who used to get steady work from a large real estate company just lost his income because the company bought their own Inspire as it is 100% tax deductible as advertising whereas "Contractors" like him were not. Plus the job security is tenuous when so many people are entering the market wanting to do the same thing as you do and offering cheaper rates.
So many people want to make money out of flying their drone that the market will offer little money in the future so go for it now, these are the good old days.
I see drone-related monetizing splitting into 3 distinct categories:
1) Drone Sales and Direct-Related Business
The manufacture, marketing, sales, and repair/upgrade markets will only get stronger as time goes by. Research, design, manufacturing, and testing will require more professionals as time goes by. New products require marketing and sales forces; and the burgeoning repair and upgrade market can and will provide both industry professionals and Mom and Pop shops the chance to make some profits.
2) Drone-Related Professional Occupations
NOT to say that a person who is independent is not a professional. Many are. But for the purpose of this "flog" (LOL) I am using the term to apply to those who have special training and skills in areas such as Surveying, Agricultural Mapping and Studies, SAR, thermography, technical inspections (think pipelines in Alaska), etc. In my opinion, this market will provide excellent opportunity for career growth using sUAVs. I am currently in this category with my drone as a supplement to my Inspection Service.
3) Niche-Related sUAV Jobs
These might include special event videos, beach-type businesses (close to vacation hot spots), and a few other niche categories.
For purposes of this reply only (and at the risk of sounding controversial, lol), I am placing Real Estate Photography in this category. Here are my reasons...
With the exception of a few really savvy (and skilled) pilots, most people doing RE Photography are primarily drone pilots who are (secondly) trying to produce professional quality stills and video. Photography remains an art as well as a skill. After the new of having an aerial on your RE listing wears off publicly, the market will settle in, and I think at that time we will see what we always do when a trend levels out...professionals still doing most of the work, with a few trying to make some $ around the edges.
As an owner of two successful companies, and basically lifetime entrepreneur, I still hold with the concept that those who will be successful must excel in all aspects of the product, service, and industry they represent. They must be well versed and consistently vigilant to keep up with industry and market changes.
As well, if you want to own your own
successful business (key word being successful here, lol), my advice is to become extremely **** about the bottom line, and more importantly, how to make that bottom line increase in margin. That will take serious time and effort beyond just "flight skill". And that will separate the true successful business entrepreneurs from those wanting to make $$$ by just being a "good pilot".
FOR THE "PART-TIMER"
As the industry matures, and professions within the sUAV universe become more technically driven, I believe many more really good pilots will fall into this category. There is no downside to making some $$$ as a part-time, fun-money generator, etc. Using drones as an income assist will be a valid option for many, I think. I, myself, have been doing this over the past 2 years especially. Even now, my primary job isn't "flying a drone". However, my drone assists in my providing a more professional product to clients all over Texas.
Sorry for the long response. I said all this to say...I agree. This is the "golden age". After the fad dies, there will still be a great sUAV industry that many can take part in. But it will require what every other industry requires. Training, dedication, hard work, and commitment to succeed. Just my 2000 cents worth, lol!
Drone on Everyone!
