Today starts a new direction in my life. After six years of working in marketing communications/advertising, I am leaving the field to pursue a career in fitness and wellness. This is my last day at work and on Monday I will officially be a full-time yoga teacher, group exercise instructor and personal trainer.
In the back of my mind, I always dreamed of a career in fitness. I have this inner drive to help others feel healthier and happier. I didn’t think that it was possible for the career change to happen at this stage in my life until I went through yoga teacher training. We had to verbalize our goals and the person that we wanted to be. Over the course of the four months of teacher training, I started to believe that this dream could come true.
Teacher training ended in April and I got busy with my new routine. I began teaching at my yoga studio and picked up classes at a new gym while still maintaining my BodyPump classes at the Y. Before I knew it I was facing 80-hour weeks where I was teaching up to 10 classes per week in addition to working full-time in advertising and maintaining my blog.
The whole personal training piece of the puzzle fell by the wayside until one day in July my yoga teacher asked me point-blank what I was waiting for. I realized that I was playing the safe option and still hanging on to what was easy and familiar. You see, I thrive on being busy. Jam-packed. Every second scheduled. I just accepted this new routine as the way it was going to be. Never mind that I was averaging five hours of sleep per night, feeling a little out of control of my life and spending no time at home.
After that conversation in July, I buckled down and studied for my personal training certification. I gave up what little free time I had in favor of studying and passed the exam in August. (Read about that experience in this post.)
Once I passed the exam, I sat down and created a transition to do list and set a timeline for my career change. I gave my employer notice three weeks ago. Moving forward, I have a full teaching schedule and personal training opportunities in the works.
I am extremely excited about this new direction in life. I feel very fortunate to have the ability to pursue a career in something that I feel so passionately about. That said, I am scared. Now that the day is finally here, I am feeling anxiety about the transition and hoping that I can pull this off. It’s not going to be easy. It will take time to build up my personal training clientele and there will be a definite change in lifestyle as I adjust to a new schedule and income.
(Wanda Koch )
I am in disbelief that this is really happening. I feel so much gratitude for everyone who has supported and encouraged me. My family, my friends, the amazing crew at Lululemon and my fellow teachers and yogis at Y2 Yoga. I don’t think that I walked into the studio over the past couple of months without someone asking me how things were coming along with making my goals a reality.
What does this mean for my blog? Peanut Butter Runner will keep much of the same format that it’s had but with more focus on fitness and education. Expect video posts about yoga and strength training and more posts with workout ideas. I have always wanted my blog to have this type of focus but I simply haven’t had enough time to do it right.
So that’s the big news. I’m off to Asheville for the night to celebrate! Have a great weekend!
Jen,
I am so excited for you. I was wondering how you could keep up your schedule. Good luck on your new exciting fulfilling journey. You are amazing! Maybe someday I will take a class from you 🙂
lauri – thank you so much. it is a huge relief to be able to have a more normal schedule again. i would love to have you in class someday! 🙂
So happy for you!!! I was wondering how you had time to teach all those classes and work at the same time. I’m sure this will make you so much happier and let you sleep more! I wish I could take classes from you! I can’t wait for the videos! I’ve wanted you to post more of them for a long time 🙂
thank you holly. i am really excited about resting more! videos coming super soon, promise!
Jen,
I have been reading your blog since January. It is inspiring to see someone’s hard work and determination fall together as yours did! I’m a runner who dabbles in yoga – live in a small town with no yoga classes, so I look foward to your yoga info posts! Congratulations and take care!
thank you claire! i really appreciate you reading and the comment. i’m looking forward to doing the yoga posts.
Congratulations! I was wondering if this was going to be the big news 🙂 I’ve wondered myself how you were able to keep up that busy schedule. You will do great!
thanks amy! i thought this news might not come as a shock to many!
Yayy I knew from your tweet last night this is what your big post was! Congrats!! The fitness industry is not the easiest to work in but its very fun and rewarding! Just remember personal training takes a LONG time to build up your cliental but after a while its easier and the pay is great!
thank you so much ashley! i am prepared for the slow build-up of clients. luckily, i have the teaching base to get started so that helps. really appreciate your comment and encouraging words!
Congrats! This is very exciting. You have shown your readers how to work hard, set goals and aim high! Enjoy your weekend. 🙂
thank you brittnie! it is my hope that everyone realizes that this was a very through out decision that took a lot of hard work. it’s all about setting goals and working towards them!
So happy for you Jen!! Really looking forward to hearing more about your new job and the new posts. You are very inspirational to others to try to follow their dreams.
thanks! i’m really excited about writing more fitness-related posts and sharing my experiences with y’all!
Yay! I think this is the perfect fit for you Jen! Great news!!
thanks brittney! 🙂
Congratulations! I wondered if you might be heading for a full-time career in fitness after you received your PT certification. I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read about the next steps in your journey 🙂 🙂 🙂
thanks rhona! i thought that the PT certification might be a hint to you guys! really excited to get going with all of this!
I am so so proud of you Jen! You are such an inspiration! Go get it girl, you deserve the BEST of it all 🙂
thank you, thank you sweet friend! xoxo
Congratulations Jen! You will be successful, because you are following your passion.
This is so inspiring. I’m coaching PT now (running) and I would love to just do it FT and quit the “job”. Seeing people make the transition is so motivating.
kristy – thank you so much. i had to be pretty patient during the process of making this happen and it got crazy for a while as i was trying to balance a ton of fitness commitments on top of work but it was all totally worthwhile. i feel so blessed to have this opportunity.
Congratulations Jen! What an exciting change and I know you will be successful! I read your blog, and get motivated everyday to strive for a healthier lifestyle.
thank you so much for your comment and for reading, larissa!
I knew it!! 🙂 congrats! You will be great. Yay this means more chances to take your classes?! Have a great weekend!
thanks sarah! yes, i will be teaching a ton more! 😉
Congratulations! It is so obvious how passionate your are about fitness and how motivating you are so I wondered why it wasn’t your full-time gig. I’m super happy for you and good luck with everything!
thank you anastasia – i am so excited to be jumping into this new career. i feel so lucky to be able to do something i love so much as work!
I had a feeling this was the ‘big news’ you were hinting at…
Congratulations Jen!! It’s so inspiring to see someone take a risk and pursue a dream. Best of luck!
i did give y’all some hints! 😉
thanks for the congrats. i really appreciate the comment!
Very happy for you!!
Best wishes to you on your new endeavors. You have been so busy, now you can take some extra time for yourself and your hubby. Enjoy this new chapter of life 🙂
thank you so much holly. i am most excited about more sleep and more time at home with brandon and sullie!
congratulations! I’m in the midst of looking for a new job and admire your direction & commitment. Just don’t leave Y2 so that I can come to your classes when I’m home! 🙂
thanks caroline! it took a lot of work to make this goal happen but it was all totally worth it now that it’s all happening.
i will not be leaving y2! rather, teaching more!!! 🙂
Congrats, Jen! You are going to do great! Although I dont know you personally, I do read your blog everyday and find you to be so driven, motivated, inspired and determined. Keep up the good work and enjoy this new journey!
jessica – i appreciate your comment and thanks so much for reading my blog every day! i am so excited about this new chapter of my life!
Congrats on the decision! It’s nice to read about someone who makes their life goals and dreams come true!
thank you katie!
I’m so excited for your changes and the upcoming changes on the blog!
thanks rachel! i can’t wait to get going with the new content!
how exciting! use that anxiety for good and go for a run- I bet it will be a speedy one 😉
best of luck as you embark upon this new adventure!
christie – running is a great release for anxiety for me! 🙂
thanks for the good wishes!
I had a feeling your post was going to be about this… I am so happy for you! I think you made the right decision, I’m so confident in your abilities. I, too, have entered into a somewhat new path in my career, and while it’s less “comfortable” than before, I love the challenge and feel like I’m learning so much more everyday. I’ve found some much support in reading other people’s blogs, hearing about how they went out on their own with their career, and how happy it made them (while still being hard). So congrats! And go celebrate, you deserve it :).
clara – thank you so much for your comment and for sharing your experience with me. i know that this new career path is going to be a challenge and take a lot of work and dedication but i am up for it!
Love you, Jen! I will miss our morning coffee convos and our over-the-cube looks of, “What is going on over there?!” 🙂 Best of luck to you. I admire your ambition and only wish the very best for you. We must keep in touch!
lauren – i miss you so much already! i need a check-in lunch or dinner scheduled asap!
Wow!!!! Congratulations! I am sooo happy for you! I always wondered how you fit it all in! This is such great news! I love your blog already buy cannot wait for more videos and fitness information!
thank you marie! i am so looking forward to having more of a normal schedule. thank you so much for reading and i am excited to get the videos and new info going!
CONGRATULATIONS! What an amazing journey you’re about to start 🙂 you really had me wondering with that FB announcement! This is so great and I admire your bravery in pursuing what you truly want to do, even though it’s not the conventional “corporate” career. Enjoy celebrating!
caitlin – thanks so much! after six years in the corporate world, this is a HUGE change of pace but i’m so excited!
Congratulations! I’m a long time reader of your blog but I have never commented (eep!). I wish I was in Charlotte and could take a class – your commitment to health is really inspiring. I can’t wait for the new changes to the blog and seeing how you will thrive in this new direction!
kate – thanks so much for reading and for commenting! i really enjoy hearing from readers! it makes it feel more like a two-way conversation than just me talking at you guys all the time! 🙂
i am so excited to get going with the new blog comment and to share this journey with you guys!
Congratulations! That’s amazing and you should be really excited for the future. I hope to do the same thing in the future! Enjoy your celebration and best of luck in this new change!
thanks whitney! good luck with your journey too! set goals and actively work towards them. 🙂
This is SO EXCITING!!! Don’t be scared- you were born to do this. It’s the most natural fit for you ever and you are going to ROCK your new career. Once things settle down, I’ll have to come try out some of your classes so you can whip me back into shape. I’m thrilled for you and this new direction you’re taking and I really look forward to reading all the great tips you’ll have to share with us on the blog. 🙂 CONGRATS and enjoy celebrating!!!
brittany – thank you so much! you don’t even know how much your comment touched my heart. seriously, it was just what i needed to hear.
i would love to see you in class and help you out with any fitness questions you have. you are going to have that pre-baby body back before you know it!!!
congratultions, Jen. Truly amazing and inspiring. I am sooooooooooooooooo happy and excited for you. just AWESOME!
thank you so much rachael!!! 😀
I am sooooooooooo happy for you, Jen! I’ve thought for a while “How in the world does she do allll this?!” I know it was hard work but congrats on making your dream a reality! Have fun celebrating!!!
omg brooke…there were many days when i wondered how in the world i was fitting everything in. it was not without sacrificing some other important things…the cleanliness of my house, spending time with my husband and sleep!
so excited the time is here!
What an exciting time for you!! Enjoy your night celebrating in Asheville!
PS – thanks for sacrificing your practice to help us through ours this morning!! 🙂
thank you so much kate! and you know i always love teaching y’all! class was great last friday!
Congrats to you! I know that you will have a lot of success because you are passionate about fitness and personal health. Life is too short. It is important to follow what makes you happy!
This might sound odd since we don’t actually know each other, but I had my fingers crossed that this was going to be your news. You are so passionate about fitness and wellness, and it only seems fitting that your life would move in this direction. Life is entirely too short not to follow your passion. I’ve recently had a similar “aha!” moment, and it’s scary and freeing at the same time. You are an inspiration!
erin – that is so funny that you thought this might be my news. i am incredibly excited to have the opportunity to make a career out of doing something that i love so much. i agree that life is too short to not go after your dreams and goals.
i hope that your aha moment is working out the way you want it to!
thanks so much for your comment! 🙂
Congratulations!!! Hope it works out even better than you expect. So impressed that you’re going after your dreams in such a big way!
Congrats! That takes a lot of guts and a lot of hard work and I am thrilled that you have the dedication and confidence to do it! You obviously have a lot of passion for it, so I am sure it will all turn out wonderfully!
Yay for you! Way to be bold and go for what you really enjoy.
Good for you! You’ve worked so hard to accomplish your goal and you definitely deserve to start living your dream 🙂
I’m so excited for you! I honestly cannot picture you doing anything but a career in fitness 🙂 You have inspired me from the first day I met you. Congrats Jen!
thank you, thank you, thank you! i have also been so inspired by YOU! you are one of my running idols! 😉
this just feels right. i am beyond excited that it’s happening!
Congrats! I am so happy for you!
Congratulations, Jen! I think it is fabulous! I hope you will still keep us updated on where and when you will be teaching!
thank you ginger! i’m keeping my teaching schedule page updated! it will have all of my normal classes plus sub classes!
Congrats Jen! Seems like your decision was a long time coming and it must feel amazing for it to now be a reality. You are such an inspiration. I would love to train with you but live in Boston – let me know if you are ever interested in long distance/virtual training! 🙂
sarah – thanks for the congrats! i am over the moon that the time is finally here. i am so ready to get going and dive into this new career.
we could definitely chat about setting up some training programs for you. email me if you’re ever interested! 🙂
jen – this is incredible news! while i always thought you were awesome in advertising (cause, duh, i really liked working with you), there’s just this energy about you when you’re talking fitness that is hard to ignore. i’m so excited for you and this new endeavor you’re embarking on. it’s going to be so much fun. and while scary, just think of how much happier you’ll be putting your heart into something that you love so, so much. best of luck with everything!
becca – thanks so much for your sweet comment. you know, when i was at luckie i loved working with you guys and felt pretty happy with my overall career path. once we moved to charlotte things just began to change. i fell in love with yoga, did teacher training, started teaching more and then it just became clear that it was the path i was meant to take.
i’m thrilled to get going and feel so blessed to be able to make a career out of something i love so much.
miss you guys and think of you often!
Congrats on this news!! I recently left my comfort position in marketing as well for something brand new. I’m so glad I did it. Congrats and enjoy 🙂 I look forward to the changes to the blog as well. Happy life change celebration! Good luck to you!
Congratulations! I started reading your blog recently(my yoga teacher passed it on). Your post today has really hit home. I have been thinking alot about being what you be over that last few months as well. Maybe it is time to make a plan and go for it.
melissa – thank you so much for your comment. i am happy to hear that your yoga teacher passed it on to you. that is really neat.
i just strongly believe in setting goals and going for it. life is too short not to pursue passion!
Congrats Jen!!! This is going to be a great season in your life and you will (continue) to inspire those you are around. Wonderful news!!!
Congratulations! Such a busy and exciting time for you! Way to follow your dreams and become something you have always wanted to be–you’re awesome. 🙂
Yay! So happy for you! I remember when we were in Birmingham and going for a run and you told me that your dream was to be a personal trainer…and now you are there!
p.s.- this might sound creepy, but you pop in my head whenever I take a yoga or dancer’s stretch class(the latter I have really enjoyed lately..there is a dance studio near my house that offers classes that incorporate yoga and ballet techniques and I LOVE them). When I am in a position that just feels awesome I think, ‘Wow, this is what Jen feels like ALL THE TIME’. Haha!
thanks for the congrats christina. so good to hear from you.
and totally not creepy on the yoga comment. i LOVE it! 🙂
Congratulations! Wishing you the best in your career change. I’m sure this change has strengthened your marriage as well by working through all the nuances that contribute to your career change. It is great to see you following and pursuing your real passion and having 100% support by your husband. Wonderful 🙂
Even though I don’t really “know” you in real life, I anticipated that this was the direction you were moving towards. Your passion & energy for health and fitness made it hard to imagine that you wouldn’t eventually pursue this as your vocation. Best of luck!
YAY!! Congrats Jen! You’re going to be great!
Dream big and watch what happens! Congratulations! 🙂
Congratulations! I so super excited for you and look forward to all the new fitness related things to come. It is very inspiring to see you reach for your dreams. It makes me want to get my butt moving towards mine instead of sitting around day dreaming about them. 🙂 Good luck with everything! I know you’ll be great!
Random side note…is that Sweet Tater in the background of your outside yoga pictures? That wild hair looks familiar… 😉
thanks for the congrats jen! set goals and actively work towards them instead of just dreaming! 😉
yep, that’s tater. the photo is from salutation nation.
Congrats!!!!!! This is amazing news. I wish I could make this move. Your post has inspired me to do more research into being able to make a career move myself.
So proud of you! You will be such an inspiration to your clients (as you already are to your readers!) – love how you are living all this out!
Congrats to you! Good luck with the transition! I know it may be hard at first, but it will all be worth it! Enjoy your new career change and fresh new start!! I am an avid runner and I recently began taking a yoga class weekly at a new yoga studio in my hometown. I decided to take it because I am so horrible at taking the time to really stretch my muscles and relax them. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and I look forward to getting stronger and better as I do each pose!! I look forward to reading your blog and learning more about yoga! have a wonderful weekend celebrating!!
Congratulations!! I was hoping something like this was coming for you when you annoyed that you were a certified personal trainer. You are so motivating and educational long-distance through your blog, I know you will build up a great in-person clientele soon! YAY for doing what you love!
this is amazing; huge congratulations to you.
Congratulations, Jen! I’ve been following your blog for over a year, and wondered how managed such a loaded schedule. I’ve suspected for a while that a career in fitness was your goal–so glad you went for it! I can’t wait to read about the changes in your life.
mari – thanks so much for your comment and for reading my blog for over a year!!! i feel so lucky to have such supportive readers.
i am really looking forward to not being so insanely busy and committed all of the time. it will be a nice change of pace.
can’t wait to share all of this with you guys!
I think this is such a perfect time for you to make this decision. It’s been pretty clear for awhile that this is what you are meant to be doing, and I’m SUPER excited for you!
Wonderful news! If you ever find yourself in Columbia and need a client, let me know! Personal training or yoga!
thanks sara! and i will let you know if i’m ever down your way! 🙂
Fist Pumps for being brave and going for it! Although it will be an adjustment income wise, there is no price tag on doing what you’re passionate about! Enjoy every minute!
awesome!
I’m so happy for you! I can’t wait to hear about your new journey and where your life path leads you! I don’t know you personally but you seem like an amazing person that is very driven. You have a great attitude and you can succeed at what you set your heart on, I know you will do great. I wish nothing but the best for you!!
Have fun celebrating this weekend!
SO happy for you! This decision/post is very inspiring, especially to someone like myself who is unsure of what their future career holds. I am really looking forward to more posts about yoga, I would love to know more about it and hopefully work the courage to attend a class! Congrats Jen 🙂
Congratulations!! It truly is an incredible feeling to pursue your dreams! Work will NEVER feel like work! It’s heaven on earth!
Jen!!! I’m over the moon excited for you! I have come to a crossroads in my life career wise, and it’s never too late to follow what you love and go for it. I’ve had my doubts myself but every passing minute is a chance to change it all around! I can’t wait to hear more! And I love your blog, you motivate people with your hectic schedule and still you make sure you juggle it all! You are an inspiration! Have a great getaway with your hubs!
Congrats Jen!!! I’m so happy for you and so proud of you for doing this! You are going to thrive and it’s so awesome that you are doing something that you are so good at and so passionate about! I would love to see you the next time you guys are in Atlanta! Bailey misses Sullie:) Soooo excited for you!!!
I AM SO EXCITED FOR YOU!! oh and also obsessed with the avett brothers lyrics 😉
Yay! I’ve been dying for you to announce this! I’m SO over the moon happy for you. 🙂 You give me such hope. Congratulations a million times.
Awesome!!!!!!!!! Congrats. A smart move 🙂
Congrats, Jen, I’m so happy for you!!! I had a feeling something like this was in the works 😉
Congrats! New beginnings are great and I cannot wait to see what you post!
Congrats!!!!
Congrats Jen! So happy for you! what an exciting, exciting time!
You are AMAZING. Congratulations over and over again — you should be so proud. Everyone knows you will be an incredible personal trainer and yoga instructor, so believe it yourself! You are a true inspiration to me, and so many more. Enjoy your celebration, it is well deserved!! 🙂
You are AMAZING. Congratulations over and over again — you should be so proud. You are a true inspiration to me, and so many more. What an incredible new journey you are about to begin. Enjoy your celebration this weekend, it is well deserved!! 🙂
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, Begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it, Begin it now.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Congratulations! I know how scary it is to make a huge decision like this. I am working towards a career change myself and grad school and such is a frightening thing when working full time :-/ I am glad you shared this! You are such an encouragement/inspiration in helping others see that you can really go for what you want and live a fulfilling life. Thank you for always sharing these sorts of things with us!!
Congratulations! Sounds like you are doing everything possible to make it a smooth transition. How exciting to be pursuing your dreams! Love the Avett Brothers post title, btw. 🙂
Wow CONGRATS!! I am so so happy for you in following your dreams, and I can’t WAIT to read more!! 😀
Many congratulations to you on choosing to live your passion! It sounds like you’ve already learned so much about what is important to you. You will be amazing!
Congratulations!!! I think it is incredible that you have identified your passion and are pursuing it at your age. It makes so much sense. I am struggling with that at 44, and it is even more daunting. I wish we were in the same city so I could take your classes. Best of luck!
Congratulations! So proud of you. I had a feeling this was your big news, but I have to admit the suspense was killing me! ;). Don’t be scared….like you’ve said before….”if it were easy all the time, it wouldn’t be any fun”. Enjoy celebrating – you’ve earned it!!!
Thanks, Jen, for being such an inspiration. I still don’t quite have the courage to take the leap but reading about your journey has definitely inspired lots of thought and lots of self-questioning about where I am in life, what my real passions are, and why I’m waiting to pursue them. Most of the time the answers to these questions lie in FINANCES, ugh, which is so ridiculous. Cheers to you and Brandon for committing to making it work. We will have to celebrate tonight!! Look forward to catching up with y’all in a couple of hours. 🙂 Congrats!
WOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!! Sending you lots of good luck vibes from Ohio!
Hi Jen! I’m so excited for you! Obviously scary which is understandable but you are following you passion and you are an amazing inspiration. Congrats and I cannot wait to see where this next chapter takes you! Best of luck!!
Speaking from experience (46 yr old), the biggest “leaps” Ive made in life, have been the most rewarding :). Funny that I checked your blog today as DH & I agreed today that I should quit my FT job to pursue a riskier venture. BOL!!!
Congratulations! That’s so exciting!! I know that you’ll have a full client list in no time!
YAY CONGRATSSS this is awesome and totally going to make you feel so happy and fulfilled! this path you are taking is so inspiring! good luck girl you are going to be amazing<3
Congratulations! Next time I’m in Charlotte, taking a yoga class with you will be priority number one! Looking forward to your yoga posts. Namaste.
Wow!!! That’s awesome! Congratulations and all the best!
Way to go Jen. Taking the big leap and following your heart. You will thrive in your new endeavor.
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you.
Congratulations! Very happy and excited for you! And I’m excited to follow you along your new journey and the new aspects to this blog 🙂
Thank you for being your best self and for being what you love. I am so inspired by this. My path is similar to yours and by facing your fears and going after your dreams, you have helped me to do the same!
Much love to you!
Namaste
Wow! Congratulations Jen! What an exciting (and I’m sure scary too) change for you! I think this change makes sense for you between it being your dream and passion, and also with giving yourself more time to be with your husband and yourself (sleep included). I’m like many others who commented and didn’t know how you were doing all the things you have been doing to this point. I look forward to hear more about your teaching schedule and wish you the best.
Oh – I like title and the reference to the Avett Brothers…
This is awesome news! I am so excited for you! It takes courage to pursue your dreams. I know you’ll be so much more fulfilled. Yay!
OH, I am sooooo happy for you! You have started on a journey that will fulfill you all your days! How exciting to have the opportunity to do what your heart leads you to do! Peace and Prosperity to you!
Pam
So excited for you!
Nice Work Jen! You will have a fabulous career in fitness, doing what you LOVE! So excited to see all the parts start moving. Please let us know if you have a PT website or the like where we can refer clients (for the Clt folks). I hope, hope, hope to eventually get back to the wellness side of nursing and would completely use community resources like you!!
INSPIRING! Best of luck 🙂
Congratulations!!! So exciting!!! I applaud you for making the leap and leaving the ‘comfort zone’ to pursue your passions 100%! You are truly inspirational! I took me a while to get that you were teaching all those yoga/fitness classes while having a full-time job in advertising/marketing, plus blogging, exercising, living etc 😉 … Incredible!
I wish you much joy and great success in your new endevours!!!
like everyone else said, congratulations! it is always inspiring to see someone follow their dreams even when its a little unnerving and scary.
I was just thinking of you today-I am working 56hours this week (going right into my next work week of 36hours straight tomorrow night) and trying to fit in my workouts and healthy eating. While I was at the gym today, I was thinking how you manage to do these amazing workouts, teach, have healthy meals, and have a fulltime job! I’m glad to see that you will find more balance in your life-it’s too short not to do what you love. Congratulations!
Um – where do I start?! You are amazing and inspiring and you’re gonna be JUST FINE. I have a feeling, in a few shorts weeks you’ll be like, “What was I so scared of?! Why did I not do this sooner?!” It doesn’t even feel like work, getting to play in the gym all day and help people improve their diets and get stronger and healthier. So looking forward to seeing where your journey takes you! Hugs! – LAQ
Congratulations on your transition! I am so happy that you are making your dreams come true! I love that you have taken on additional classes as Y2, particularly the 4:20 Tuesday class which fits perfectly into my schedule!
Holy smokes this is so exciting! I haven’t been blogging/ blog reading as much lately so I’m behind but love that you’re pursuing your passion – I’m taking the same journey right now. Studying has been more of an undertaking than I ever would have thought! Good for you, Jen – you’re an inspiration 🙂
I am so so SO excited for you Jen!!! I know you’ll be an amazing teacher! Hope to get in on some of your classes. 🙂
Congratulations Jen! 🙂
Congrats! I hope I’m the only so-called nay-sayer who has commented. Nearly 1 year ago I left my full-time job to pursue fitness full-time. Although parts of it have been rewarding, the financial toll on me and my husband has given me pause. We have down-sized A TON, giving up satellite TV, vacations, clothes shopping…the list goes on and on. I have no idea what we would do if we had some sort of financial emergency or got pregnant. We’re barely supporting ourselves and forget about putting anything towards our savings. And don’t get me started on what it’s like for an independent woman like me to utterly depend on her husband for everything! Unless you rise to superstar status in the fitness world (think Les Mills DVD presenter), I’m convinced that it’s nearly impossible to be adequately compensated for all of the blood, sweat, and tears that culminate into the less than 8 hours per day of actual “work” that goes into being a fitness professional (I have been a GFM and Les Mills instructor/assessor/editor this past year). Granted, I haven’t entered the personal trainer realm (where’s the time to study for the ACE exam???). I do wish you the best of luck but hope that you are prepared for the significant financial change that’s upon you. I certainly wasn’t. I’m currently throwing myself into a full-time job search in my previous career, but so far it’s been tough going. I’m ready to live again and not worry about money!
Congratulations, girl! Can’t wait to see how your new adventure goes.
BEYOND EXCITED!!! YOU have such PASSION! Live it now! I will follow!
thank you SO much lindsay! xoxo
congrats! i can FULLY relate – i pretty much did the same thing a little over a month ago, quitting my marketing job and moving back to California to apply to nutrition grad schools and do my running coaching certification. you have a one up on me in terms of experience, having done your certifications and all your classes. my transition is a bit bumpier – once i get into school, have a few years of studying to go before I’m an R.D. – but it’s the same idea of pursuing what you are passionate about and leaving all the corporate stuff behind 🙂 i’m really scared too – but hopefully it will all work out. looks like you’re already doing really well with your panel and fitness segments! best of luck!!
Isn’t that title from a great Avett Brothers Song??
Its good to know that you finally found your goal and did what you wanted to do.
There are many people like me who are still confused and the dilemma causes us to hang in no man’s place….
Best of luck for your dream come true..i hope you succeed in your dream…
This is so neat! I just found your blog and love it. I recently graduated with a degree in marketing and am pursuing sales but hope to continue my love for food and fitness on the side. Maybe one day I’ll end up changing directions. Who knows 🙂
You have been an inspiration to me over the past year. I graduated Clemson with a degree in Marketing in May of 2014 with a dream of real estate. I have been a fitness instructor for three years as that is a passion of mine as well. Turns out real estate is a heck of a lot more stressful than HGTV could ever lead you to believe. I am considering getting my personal training certification and starting a blog. This post was exactly what I needed.