Post-Broncos, I tried my hand at a few other jobs...a receptionist at a veterinarian clinic, sales for a start-up website, customer service for a nutritional supplements company, and most recently an executive assistant/office admin for a private equity firm. While I enjoyed certain aspects within each role, none of them had anything to do with my degree. I knew these jobs were not going to be my long term plan and I became frustrated not knowing exactly what I wanted to do. A degree from Baylor isn't exactly cheap, so I definitely didn't want it to go to waste. I considered working for another professional sports team, but I wanted to stay in Austin at the time, so my options were fairly limited.
One of my reasons for moving over to Australia was to take a step back and really figure out what I'm passionate about and what kind of work I want to be involved with long term. I knew more of what I didn't want to do more than what I did want to do...which turned out to be helpful as well.
Before I was 20, I never worked out because my metabolism kept me in good enough shape to not worry about it. But ever since junior year of college, I really got into running and fitness. With free access to a gym on campus and PE requirements needed to graduate, I soon found myself in the gym training for my first half marathon. My favorite class senior year was running (yes, that's a real PE class!) so I knew this was something I wanted to explore more. I spent the next 3 years after graduation casually running and working out, but didn't take myself too seriously. It's really when I started this blog and dedicated a year to running 1000 miles that I started to educate myself and learn as much as I could on my own about exercise and nutrition.
The past 2 years I've dabbled in cycling, sand volleyball, yoga, Crossfit, Insanity, swimming, etc. and that's when I sincerely developed a passion for staying healthy and seeing my body and cardio abilities transform. Since 2013, I've had the personal training idea in the back of my head, but it seemed a bit daunting and intimidating to get started.
Being overseas, unemployed with lots of time to think, I decided that personal training really is something that checks all of the boxes for me and I don't need to be scared to make it a reality:
Physically active - check
Away from a desk - check
Interacting with people - check
Dress in gym clothes - check
Be my own boss (eventually) - check
Paid to work out - check
But the biggest box it checked that none of my previous jobs did? Helping and improving the lives of others.
I honestly think that was the biggest piece missing in my other positions. I know they were important in some aspects, but in the big scheme of things, I wasn't making a huge difference in anyone's life. It ended with me feeling under-appreciated and worthless at times.
I ordered the NASM CPT Self-Study program and began studying early last week. I have 180 days from the time I order the program to take the certification exam, so I will take the test on or before June 30th. I have quite a bit of free time over the next few months, so I know I will be able to finish studying and knock out the exam this summer. Then I plan to apply to work at a gym for a year or two in order to gain some experience and meet potential clients. Eventually, I'd love to be my own boss and train my own clients, but I know that will take time to develop.
While I'm still not using my exact degree, I'm okay knowing that I have a BBA from Baylor and just having a degree in general helps with a lot of things. I know having a business background and education will be beneficial in my future endeavours of owning my own business. I used to be scared of the future and the unknown, but now I'm so excited to see what it holds!
If you know of anyone who needs a personal trainer in the Austin area this summer, you know who to call!
P.S. GO BRONCOS! SUPER BOWL CHAMPS!
