Good morning!!! Ready for the rest of my announcement? I apologize for the cliff hanger, but I really had a lot more to say, and I figured the recap after my first day would be much more interesting. I'll make my breakfast post quick...
Breakfast was cinnamon apple oats with sliced almonds, ground flaxseed meal, and brown sugar.
Measurements:
1 medium/large apple (chopped)
1/2 cup dry oats
1 tbsp sliced almonds
1 tbsp ground flaxseed meal
1 tsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup water (milk would have been better-- could have been creamier!)
Iced coffee and an Adora to go...
Quick FYI: I don't always post when I eat an Adora disk, but I have one every other day or so.
(added suspense...)
Jimmy Fund Walk
The big walk is a week from this Saturday! I'm walking 26.2 miles, which, if you're curious, takes about 8-9 hours. If you're feeling generous, please consider donating to my team.
Barney Butter Giveaway
I've received many GREAT entries so far! It's going to be a tough decision for Mal and me to pick the winners!
Jen at Office Supple Art: The Blog sent me a fun Barney Butter entry-- just wanted to share! :)
Announcement: Part II
Ok, so here it is...
After a lot of thinking, soul searching, and considering a ton of valuable advice from a number of key players, I've decided to switch careers and become a personal trainer! (Quite a few of you guessed it yesterday!) Honestly, I am surprised that I didn't think of making this career change sooner!
Eventually, I'd like personal training to become my full-time career, which, with no experience or alternative source of income, means I need to fast track it! I have laid out a plan for myself to make this career change as seamless as possible-- there are many steps involved! Just last week (step #1), I was hired as a Fitness Specialist at the greatest healthclub in Boston, and my first shift was last night.
From what I understand, a Fitness Specialist works as part of the Healthworks fitness team and assists members in achieving their fitness goals by providing complimentary strength and cardio orientations, which includes explaining training guidelines, proper use of the machines, and how to log workouts. My new position also requires some "grunt work," like cleaning the machines and organizing equipment, but it's all part of the job! You can't just start at the top, right?
In addition to my role as a Fitness Specialist, I will be studying my butt off in preparation for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) certification test to become a personal trainer. (I'm cramming 4 months of study into 3 months!) Once (and if!) I receive my NASM certification, I hope to start training my first clients in January 2009. (I will continue to work at my full-time job until I am able to build a client base.) I have no idea how I will juggle a full-time job, part-time job at Healthworks (12-15 hours/week), and a blog, but I'm going to take it one day at a time... and try to not panic! I just need to keep reminding myself that all of my hard work will be worth it in the end!
So, guys, get ready to hear about my journey to become a personal trainer! Let's hope the road isn't too bumpy!
Question of the Day
Have you made a career change and/or seriously considered a career change? Details, please! :)
9/11. Never forget.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
As Promised
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62 Comments:
Yay!! Congrats, Tina!! That's exciting. I'm excited to follow you in this journey.
My exciting career change is that next Thursday is my last day at my job and in early October I'm moving to Prague to teach English! I'm super excited. I have no idea if I'll want to keep teaching or not, and I've been toying with nutrition related careers as well, but for now I'm excited for a big adventure :)
Congrats on this exciting change in your life!!
Wow, Tina, that's exciting! This topic is close to my heart because I'm in the midst of a career change too (clinical psychology to medicine). Like you, I had to start completely over. It's such a good feeling to be pursuing something I enjoy. Good luck!
Mmm, the cinnamon apple oats look delish!!
Oooh, that upcoming walk sounds exciting - good luck!!
Kudos for wanting to become a personal trainer!!! That'll be excellent!!!
**Yes, I certainly HAVE made a career change - I WAS going to school to be a fashion designer & merchandiser, and now I'm going to school for journalism :0) Plus, I'm a full-time dancer.
Congrats that is so exciting! In regards to your question I'm trying to decide whether to do a career change as well. It is soooo hard to make the big move though. I'm an Internal Auditor (aka accounting and business major in college) and want to become a registered dietitian. But getting the prerqs and going back to school for 2 years is a lot plus I would have to move since there aren't any schools with programs I can afford here in DC. What gave you the final push??? I love hearing about career changers it gives me some hope and inspiration to go for it :)
www.lisasrant.wordpress.com
Congrats and good luck! My career change wasn't quite as extreme, but like you I had to leave a good paying job for something paying about 10 grand less a year. Ouch, but now that I'm a few years in I know it was a good decision and the pay will pick up eventually. You just have to remind yourself every so often WHY you made this choice.
I'm still in my first career/job out of college, but am considering a career change. I'm not sure what, yet, but hearing others' stories about how they have taken the step to change careers to do something they love is very motivating.
Best of luck, Tina!!
Congrats Tina! I've only commented a couple times, but faithfully and enthusiastically read your blog everyday. It's one of my favorites!
You are going to do so well as a personal trainer. I'm sure you'll build up a good client base in no time! It takes guts to soul search and leave a job that's "comfy" to pursue something that is a passion, but will require some "grunt work." Kudos to you!
I actually just made a career switch myself in the last few weeks. I have a BS degree in communications and have worked boring office jobs doing communications work (a little PR, advertising, design, writing) for the past 4-5 years. I, like you, don't like sitting on my butt in front of a computer for 40 hours a week...
So, I after a little searching, interviews, and fate, I landed a job similar to what I would consider a dream job - a lead of a new higher-end business wear line at a local department store. I'm going to almost be a personal shopper - one of my dream careers! I'm so excited to get out there and do this! No more lethargic computer work day in and day out! Sure I have to explain to people that I quit my nice-sounding job to work retail, but hey, I'm going to be so much happier and that's what counts!
So, congrats and good luck! Hopefully both our switches will end up better than we imagined!
Congrats Tina! I've only commented a couple times, but faithfully and enthusiastically read your blog everyday. It's one of my favorites!
You are going to do so well as a personal trainer. I'm sure you'll build up a good client base in no time! It takes guts to soul search and leave a job that's "comfy" to pursue something that is a passion, but will require some "grunt work." Kudos to you!
I actually just made a career switch myself in the last few weeks. I have a BS degree in communications and have worked boring office jobs doing communications work (a little PR, advertising, design, writing) for the past 4-5 years. I, like you, don't like sitting on my butt in front of a computer for 40 hours a week...
So, I after a little searching, interviews, and fate, I landed a job similar to what I would consider a dream job - a lead of a new higher-end business wear line at a local department store. I'm going to almost be a personal shopper - one of my dream careers! I'm so excited to get out there and do this! No more lethargic computer work day in and day out! Sure I have to explain to people that I quit my nice-sounding job to work retail, but hey, I'm going to be so much happier and that's what counts!
So, congrats and good luck! Hopefully both our switches will end up better than we imagined!
Congrats! Thats so awesome! I'm sure you'll get through the studying with no problem.
I think about changing careers a lot...I'm an engineer right now, which is fine, but I'm so not passionate about it...its a good job but I wish I was doing something I loved. I really want to go to culnary school and work that in with some nutrition somehow...although I'm thinking this will have to wait til after the wedding (next sept)
Congratulations Tina! It sounds like you're on your way to a fulfilling career!
I am currently in the midst of preparing for a career change. After working in advertising for 2 years, I am planning to go back to school to get a Master's in Nutrition and become a registered dietitian. I'm so excited but still feeling overwhelmed - lots of prerequisites to take before I can apply, 3.5 year process, financial concerns...eek! But I know it will be worth it to work in a field I'm passionate about!
Congrats on the decision!
I actually made the same one about 6 months ago. I am now an ACE certified personal trainer and am still currently working 40 hours a week at my office job and about 15 hours per week at a local gym. Yes, there are days that are really long, but it is so worth it and i know that eventually (hopefully when the economy gets better) I will be able to make the complete switch over to full-time training.
Best of luck!
Having a few years on you Tina :), I was forced to make a career change when after 17 years at a Fortune 500 company I was let go. It was devastating and I went through a major depression and oh suprise suprise weight gain!! I was forced to make my career change and it was hard. That is great that you are choosing this change!!!
Three years later I am in another job. I have tried a few things but nothing that I love. I wish you luck. I am always so envious of the people who "do what they love" but when you have a $5k mortgage and live in one of the areas of the country with the highest cost of living...it is so tough to start over!!!
I will be following your journey. You never know, you may inspire me to really go for it...all I know is that it would have to include, food...cooking it, creating recipes, entertaining all that stuff...I love.
Good luck to you!
congrats! i made that decision last year- i switched my major at ucla, and decided to study to become nsca certified! and right now i'm geting ready to start working as nsca cpt at UCLA's gym! i hope you succeed!
Congratulations. It's a little scary to change directions, but I bet you will find it really rewarding. I made a career change about 6 years ago when I realized that working as an engineer was really not for me and went to law school. I'm so much happier now because, while my job involves a lot of the same technical aspects, I spend my time writing and working with people rather than working in a chemical plant or a lab.
Congrats!! That is great news! I also have made a career change (or will be making one in Jan of 09). I was in the Human Resources industry for 7 years and after long talks with my husband and deep thinking I decided to go back to school and become a Registered Dietician. I am really excited about it.
So kudos to those who take that giant step and make the change. I think it takes a lot of guts and ambition!
Congrats, Tina - you'll be great!
I made a career change about four years ago, leaving my job at an investment management company to go back to school. Now four years in, a MA finished, and the end of a PhD in sight...I still love what I study and hope a job is at the end of the road! I think it's important to appreciate the process as much as possible, even when it's LOTS of hard work and little money. I often have to remind myself why I made the decision in the first place and I'm always grateful.
9/11 thoughts and prayers today.
Congrats on your career change. If I was still living in Boston, I would totally become one of your clients.
I recently abandoned my career as an attorney. I can't really consider it a "career change" though, since I don't have an alternative career . . . or job . . . or plan.
CONGRATS!!! I'm sure it will be an enjoyable and rewarding experience.
And I'll be in Boston by then, so I'd sign up ;-) or volunteer to be a guinea pig haha
it's wonderful to see you pursue your passion.
congrats. i love it.
i was half way through my Bachelor of Social Work ( i am Canadian but now live in Cape town ) BUT after interning in New York i knew i had to pursue my passion. FASHION. I am now stuying Consumer Science with specialisation in clothng management. I also started a fashion blog + hopefully plan to get into some styling/modelling on the side (!!!)
heres to living your passion...
Wow I am so excited for you Tina!! Congratulations for taking such a big step towards your new future!! Can't wait to hear all about it along the way!
Congrats Tina! I can't wait to follow along on your journey. And you know I'm always happy to share my "old man" wisdom with you!
Tina! Congratulations- you will be an amazing personal trainer.
My first job out of college was not pertinent to my degree (art history) and a year ago I landed a dream job as a collections manager/curator. Now I am working directly with art, and finding ways to make my job work for me. SOmetimes the "lethargic desk work" gets to me, so I am trying to find ways to expand my role and interact more with people/the public.
Congrats, Tina! That's great news. I wish you all the best as you pursue your new career.
I'm actually in the publishing industry, but have been thinking about making a switch to either the culinary arts or teaching. Two very different avenues, and your announcement has spurred me to do some soul-searching of my own. Thanks for the inspiration. :-)
Congrats, Tina! I am sure you will rock as a personal trainor!
Thanks for your post yesterday. I work in a career that often has me chained to my desk for 12+ hours a day! I was so frustrated yesterday with my work and lifestyle when I checked in with your blog and saw your post about your career change. I've always loved health policy, nutrition, and fitness and yesterday I took the first step in exploring a Health Promotions Master's at a local college.
Tina, thank you so much for helping me take this first step to get my life back and be happy again! Best of luck to you.
Taking the AFAA certification practicum/exam this weekend after years of marketing/graphic design work. Yikes! Abbreviated the recommended study schedule as well... but hoping for the best! My best advice: talk to LOTS of people in the field - it's been an amazing motivational and educational tool for me. Buy someone a coffee and (usually) their brain is your oyster! :)
omg so amazing!!! stick with it. you can do it all. it will totally be worth it in the long run to follow your passion. congrats!
I did guess it! But it was no wonder with the healthy lifestyle you lead - it's a no brainer!
I am so glad you're following your heart on this. This is so exciting! I am more than likely going to send you an email to share some personal thoughts, but I think this is the right move for you! You must be so excited!
PS: I am also chained to a desk. Luckily my job involves interviewing, so I get to walk around campus a lot... so it's better than nothing. But still, I totally understand the desk syndrome.
CONGRATS TINA!!!!!!!!
I've made a career change (obviously :) ) and haven't looked back since. Totally the right decision for me. It if feels right, it probably is. And happiness from your career leads to happiness all around.
That's great news! I live and am engaged to a PT! So I can tell you from the point of view of someone really close to one, it's a great job! Takes a lot of discipline and dedication to study and learn a lot about a series of subjects. Lots of extra training even after you're a certified trainer is very important to be always ahead of the rest. And the clients, well, your good work will brig them to you, as it's really word of mouth. The best parts? Well once you're well established you can make very good money and expand your business to a private studio! Your hours are very different, early bird start, mid-day breaks and busy evenings! You'll make very good close friends with your clients and your fitness colleagues. You and Mal will have free membership at the gym! LOL! You'll have time to train yourself in between. I'm sure you'll enjoy it!
I forgot to mention, I'm in fact thinking about a career change right now! Been thinking of options for a little while and weighing the pros and cons... I have a stressful job and had enough of working for a boss, or many... I'd like to have my own space and choose how to work my time. I'll either go freelance on what I already do, or really flip to a completely different area... and still do some freelance on top of that in the beginning. Decisions, decisions....
Hi Tina,
I left my job in Personal Lines Insurance to go into Higher Ed - it was an easy decision for me considering how unhappy I was. Good luck with everything!
this is a wonderful annoucement! if i lived in boston, i would definitely hire you!
Tina, that's awesome! I live way up on the north shore but if I move closer to Boston I'd definitely sign up for you as my trainer. You're awesome!
To answer your question, I am in the midst of a career change as well. I have been working on my MBA for the past year but this summer decided I hate business and want to go into nursing. Now I'm taking all the prerequisite science classes at a community college and have applied to three MS/Nurse Practitioner programs in Boston. It's so much work with three classes plus working full time but it's going to be worth it. You'll be busy too but it will be a great career change for you! :)
Wow, Tina! Congratulations! I am so happy for you and wish you the best of luck as you head down this new path. What an exciting time - if I lived in Boston I would HAPPILY let you be my trainer :o)
I haven't had any desire for a career change since I'm still in school, but definitely a major change. I'm a journalism major, but think that I would rather start out my life in the working world in the field of marketing. I would love to work for a food company like Kashi or Quaker and come up with marketing programs for their products! That's my dream someday...
I am currently making a career change right now and it's a bit scary. It's in the beginning stages and I have no idea if this will work, but I'm trying.
Congrats on your new path! I'm sure it won't take you long at at to develop a client base. Cheers to doing exactly what you want to do!
Tina~
I just wanted to congratulate you on your career change! I have been following your blog for several months and I have commented before, but always anonymously - I recently set up a google account so i have an identity! i would also like to say that you should congratulate yourself on being a true inspiration to young women all over- your healthy eating habits and lifestyle are admirable - you don't starve yourself, you allow yourself indulgences and you strive for a healthy balance. As a certified aerobics/pilates instructor, I have seen way too many young women struggling with eating disorders and I am thankful that you, and other bloggers like you, are being such great role models for a healthy lifestyle. Congrats again!
Hi Tina, such exciting news! I think you will be a *great* personal trainer. I wish I lived in Boston; I'd definitely be one of your clients!
I haven't technically made a career move, but I've sort of juggled two "jobs" for awhile now. I received an MFA in Creative Writing, and aspire to one day publish a short story collection and a memoir. But, unless you are one of the very lucky few who gets a major advance from a publishing company and goes on to sell a respectable number of books, you have to work a day job to support your writing. In the past, I've had various freelance jobs (nice, but not always very practical, as they typically don't offer you benefits) and teaching positions. For the past year and a half, I've been employed full-time with an environmental firm, where I work in corporate communications. I do my own writing in the evenings, on weekends, etc. Sometimes the last thing I feel like doing is *more* writing, but I know that sitting down and just doing it will be immensely rewarding for me.
Anyway, I firmly believe that when you're passionate about something and determined to be successful, all the major and minor details inevitably fall into place. Pursuing a new career is a big leap of faith, but I truly think it's one worth taking. If you have a clear end goal in mind, you are bound to find the energy and ingenuity to make it happen--even if you get tired, stressed, or a little disheartened along the way. (That's unavoidable!) Best of luck to you!
Lauren
Congratulations on your career change! That's very exciting and I'm looking forward to reading all about it. Best of luck, Tina. :)
Congrats!!!
I am currently finishing up my PhD in Pharmacology and I am looking into MS Nutrtion/RD programs. I just want to add more letters on the end of my name!!
Congrats on your career decision! You can definitely handle it all, just take it one step at a time. Sounds like you've got a great plan in place.
I was pre-med my first two years in college, and just recently decided to change to psychology. I hope to eventually get my Ph.D. and I'm considering Child Psych, but it's still a new decision, so I'm working on the details!
Congratulations Tina!!! So exciting!
comforttable.wordpress.com
Congrats and best wishes! My career change happened just within the last year when we moved abroad.
After working three years in academia in public health, community health promotion and physical activity programming, I finally got to leave the office to work at home. Now I'm a freelance health and travel writer/blogger and I'm loving it.
Congrats!! I wish you all the luck on your new career. You are such a sweet & sincere person, people will just love having you as a trainer. I would hire you :)
Tina, That is really exciting. I'm happy for you that you found something you'll love to do for your work.
I made quite the career change when I retired from the law to become an elementary school teacher. I'm currently student teaching and love every second of it. For me, it was about being happy and enjoying life, rather than dreading each day. So, kudos to you for making the decision. I wish I lived in Boston, as I would sign up for your services now.
Heather
Wow, serious career change. i think that it is really great that you are going for it. Congrats!
I am thinking about a career change when i move to Philly next summer, but the ideas are just in my brain for now haha
Thanks for recognizing 9/11. I feel like the more years that pass, the more we're desensitized to the impact it had on all of us.
I think it is awesome that you're making a career move. I would love to go back to school and study nutrition and public policy, but I just can't do it. I'd be accumulating debt to go into a field where I'd make less money than I do now! It would be so good to make a hobby a career like you're doing. We have no doubt you'll be successful!
best wishes tina. i'll have to come down to boston sometime for a session. i think you will be great, you have such a positive attitude and lots of helpful hints
Congrats!!! That is sooo exciting! You'll be fabulous at it, I'm sure!
I'm a new poster but just wanted to say congrats on the new career! You can totally do it. I'm working full time and doing a Masters of Public Health at BU full time and its HARD but totally worth it! So when you feel stressed just remember the end goal.
Yay!!!! That's awesome, Tina! Congrats! I'm so excited to hear more about it!
How exciting! Good luck. I thought you were going to work for Barney Butter.
Tina - best of luck! This is so exciting.
I am in the midst of a career change of sorts too. I went to school for Communication - specifically broadcast journalism. I interned at a ton of places so I have a lot of experience, but getting a reporting job would require me to move to the middle of nowhere and make minimum wage. Also, after speaking with my friends who do it now they are not very happy with the realities of the job and the way they are treated. After much soul searching I am going back to school to learn more about public communication and PR. I would love to work for a non-profit or a politician. I am barely applying to schools at this point, but I'm on my way at least.
Good Luck! Wish I was in Boston, I would so be your trainee! Have fun with it, you'll be fantastic!
Re: The "push"
The final push was actually a combination of things happening:
- joining Healthworks again
- having 2 amazing training sessions with an amazing PT
- my friend Danielle encouraging me to apply for the Fitness Specialist position at HW
- talking the Kath about a work-life balance and flexible schedules
- enjoying what I do with CNC and wanting a similarly-focused career
- and of course, talking to a lot of different people about personal training and seriously considering their advice and expertise
Big HUGE congrats... I am in the middle of debating about a career change myself - just trying to make sure it's the right one this time.
You'll be a great personal trainer! Your positive attitude really shines through your blog. I know you'll carry that same enthusiasm as a PT.
Good luck with the studying!
Hi Tina! I'm a little late with this but I think it's great what you're doing!! I'm doing the same thing right now!! I worked in finance but realized that I had zero interest in it. So I've decided to combine my two interests: kids and nutrition! I'm going back to school for my ms in nutrition education at night while teaching at a middle school. I have absolutely no time or energy at the end of the day but I LOVE it and have no regretted my decision yet! Good luck!!! It's all worth it!
Congrats and good luck on your career change! I'm excited to see how it goes and learn more from you/your blog!
No career changes for me thus far...I'm in grad school to become a genetic counselor and hopefully I won't be changing my career! This seems like something that I'll love!
Amazing. Amazing. Amazing. I wish I lived there! You'll have a client base in NO time!
I went from retail management back to college and now I'm a doctoral student in counseling psychology. I won't be done until I'm in my 30's, but it's what I love and I feel it's a perfect fit for me.
It sounds like you're in a similar position - health promotion sounds like a calling for you, even. That's awesome! Congratulations Tina!
Congrats Tina! I am so excited for you! You will be so successful! Can't wait to hear more about it. Since the blogging started I have started to get my nutrition certification. I should be done in the next month, but I don't know what I will do with it. I am thinking maybe working on something during the summers (I teach 3rd grade) will be a good start! I will be interested in getting motivation from you!!
:)
I haven't technically made a career change yet, but I did take a year off from teaching (fall 2006 - summer 2007) and worked in a high-end, locally-owned kitchenwares store. When I couldn't pay the bills any more, I sucked it up and went back to teaching. And you know what? The break was just what I needed! I saved myself from early career teacher-burnout.
I'm also considering very long-term plans involving holistic nutrition, education, organic farming, etc. Really what I want to do is completely overhaul the government school lunch programs and put organic gardens in every single school in this country, but I think that might be a bit lofty of a goal, eh?? ;-)
Good luck with your big change! Let the blogging back-burner if you need to. Don't forget to take time to relax with your husband!
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