I've always said that my biggest asset was my problem-solving ability. The business has changed almost completely since 1975 when I opened my studio - and not necessarily for the best. Price seems to have become more important than quality too often, and the business has become 100 times more competitive. I still shoot some, but it's more because I want to, not because I need to to pay the mortgage. Describe a typical day of work for you as a commercial photographer.
Any typical day is spent more on the business side than the shooting side.
I'd guess the average photographer only shoots about two days a week - and that might be a generous estimate. Any photographer's day would be defined by the nature of his or her business - advertising is different from fashion, which is very different from architecture, etc. It is extremely important for photographers to communicate with one another. Membership in professional organizations is a very good way to find others who face the same problems as you do every day and to be able to network. It's very valuable to be able to share experiences, ask for advice and collaborate on solving problems.