Career Change?

M

mr_blonde

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Hey, i guess this question is directed towards the professionals, but i'll listen to any opinions. Thanks.
i've been out of school and in a field where i am really becoming more and more unhappy each day. I'm 27 and i really feel fitness and health are a real passion in my life. i'm thinking of ditching my job and literally starting over and going back to school in hopes of a career in a sports training/strength and conditioning/physical therapy/personal training/ etc... where i think i could really be happy. Do you think 27 is too late to think about starting that far over? what are my chances of success in these fields? Is this industry looking for younger people out of college? What kind of money is out there is this industry? This would be a HUGE change for me and i'm just trying to weigh the pros and cons. any advice/opinions are welcomed. Thanks
 
I'm not in that industry, but I don't think it's ever to late to start over and do work in the field of your dreams. Everyone deserves to be happy with what they do...why torture yourself with work you don't enjoy. My vote on this one....follow your heart. I have a friend who is older than you and went back to school to become a physical therapist and LOVES it.

DO IT!
 
I agree with what sbs says. PM jpfitness. He owns a gym and employs fitness trainers and will shoot you straight.
 
I started over at 27...picked up an moved to another state with no job. Best decision I ever made.
 
mr_blonde said:
how do i PM someone on this board? i'm not savvy, sorry.
Thanks for the comments. it does boost the confidence a bit.
Click to expand...

Scroll up to the top right, under where it says Welcome, mr_blonde. Click Private Messages to view or reply to one. Unfortunately (afaict), you can't simply compose a new message (without typing it in manually), you have to click on a username and select "Send a private message". Or, if you happen to be talking to me I tell you, "just click here."

Also, my vote is for doing what you like. What's the point, otherwise?
 
Go for it. There are many differences between athletic trainer, strength coach, personal trainer, and physical therapist. Both in terms of job description and schooling.

Im 26 and while I may be a junior in college, I just decided to extend my schooling 3 years to pursue physical therapy. Happiness is deserved for everyone.
 
Hello, mr_blonde!

First off, it's never too late. I am kind of working my way to doing the same thing with my life at the moment. My life took a lot of turns that I never expected...let me explain.

I am somewhat of a computer geek, I can do anything with a PC...I was 100% sure I would end up in that field eventually, but I ended up going to college for WELDING! What a turn, eh? Anyways, now I work in purchasing in this field and I've discovered that I have a lot of motivation to help others with their problems/needs. I've always been interested in martial arts and fitness in general and a couple of months ago I decided to make something of it...I've been studying with ISSA for a few months now and I am loving it.

I have somewhat of an issue with being shy and that's my major obstacle right now for me in my life but I'm going to go ahead with it.

Just remember you have nothing to loose and everything to gain when you are talking about work, there's plenty of work elsewhere and you don't HAVE to work for who ever it is you work for at the moment.

I'd go for it and never look back, because, really, you'll never know how it's going to turn out if you don't try!

:p


good luck!
 
It almost cracks me up when people under 30 speculate about being "too old" to shift careers. :)

You're SO young, you just have no idea.

Not sure if you are familiar with the writings of Joseph Campbell, but he has probably the best advice that anyone could take.

"Follow your bliss!"

I've been a trainer for over 20 years now, and it's not work for me. I love what I do, and if you have the right mindset you are always learning something new then it never gets boring.

I don't want to glamorize my life or career though. No matter what field you pursue, you have a certain amount of dues to pay, lumps to take. Here's another saying people don't like to hear/read:

"Every overnight success was 20 years in the making."

Make sure you truly understand what all is involved so that you don't walk away from the industry disillusioned. Hundreds of thousands of trainers go in with some fantasy about what they will do in the industry... Train stars, make tons of money, have control of their schedule and true freedom.

You can find some good discussions here on the subject.

Good luck. I don't want to rain on your parade. This is a great industry, and I am SO happy that I do what I do.
 
Thanks to everyone for their positive and motivating statements and stories! I think about this change everyday...i have a tendency to over-analyze things... I'm just trying to get the plan into action now! Researching schools and degree plans... the idea of going back to school is a bit daunting but i believe it'll be well worth it to "follow my bliss". Thanks for the boost everyone!
 
Well, I'm 36 and I'm taking the NASM-CPT course right now. I've been working at jobs I don't like all my life and decided that I should make the move now... before I hit 40! I wish I made the decision when I was 27 :)
 
What a great thread to put my first post! I'm 38 and recently changed careers....do not be afraid to follow your passion. 27, even 37, I'll even say 47, is never too late to start. A friends mother recently graduated from law school at 51. She's doing great!

My BBA got me a nice 6'x6' cubicle that I got to sit in 50 hours a week. I got a good salary, a fat belly, and a diagnosis of anxiety. After a few years I realized that the cube and I did not get along.

Do what's best for you! Good Luck.

One last thing...this quote by Mark Twain puts things in perspective for me!

"Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
-Mark Twain
 
I earned my business degree 20 years after graduating from high school. It helped my career in megacorp and was a good thing. Fast forward 10 years and I realized I was ready for a career change. I enjoy coaching and helping people attain fitness goals. So, back to the classroom and I was able to work with the owner of the gym that I worked out at to see if she was willing to be my mentor. In 2003 I set out on a 5 year plan to be able to retire from megacorp and teach full time (Spin, Yoga, Pilates and Personal Training). I'm six months away from my goal and I now have certifications and experience as a trainer. Guess what! I turned 50 in January. So, it is never too late. I'm glad that I was able to try the profession part time. It allowed me to try it out before making the big leap. Maybe that is something you may want to consider. I have to admit that I'm nervous to give up a very nice salary to go out on my own, but if not now.....when?
Best of luck to you - let us know what you decide.
 
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When I retire from the military I will be 39 and starting in this career. I am going to school now and will try to get stationed near a school to volunteer so that when it is time to drop the cammies I can work at a University program.

Good luck
 
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