Okay…I’ve been hinting (on Twitter) that there have been some pretty big changes happening in my life…or about to happen.
As you may or may not have figured out, I have been juggling a few too many things. I went back to work after maternity leave last August and have been working full time for the past year. I was working in the office 3 days a week and working at home 2 days a week most of the time.
In April, we officially opened our gym and I have been helping to run the business as well as teaching a few classes each week at night (which I love).
My amazing husband has been working a million hours a week in order to grow our business (and pay our bills) so I have been alone with CJ a lot too. I have been trying to make sure that our house isn’t a complete disaster (not an easy task with my messy one year old food thrower) and that our family has healthy food to eat and clean clothes to wear.
I’ll be honest…there were a lot of meltdowns and a lot of tears shed over the last few months. I was spread so thin that I didn’t feel like a good mom, a good wife or a good employee. My mind was always racing and I had trouble sleeping. Tuesdays and Thursdays became pure torture. My son was home and I wanted to spend time with him, but had to work. It wasn’t fair to him or me. He’s only going to be this age once and he needs his mom to be present and happy, not glued to a computer and grouchy.
Long story short, something had to give. Today is my last Monday at my current full time job. My last day of work is this Friday. (Did you guys even know that I’m a marketing manager at a technology company?)
Back in March, I wrote a post where I talked about moving forward despite imperfect conditions. I have been working as a marketing manager at different technology companies (mostly) since graduating from college over 9 years ago and I have never been fulfilled by my career. I worked hard, met some great people and had some good times over the years, but technology is not my passion (if you know me at all, you already know this). My passion lies in helping others become healthier and happier through fitness and nutrition. (duh)
From here on out, I’m going to be putting all of my effort into my family and SOS. I have been tired, stressed and, quite frankly, miserable to be around for far too long. My husband actually told me that I have been a completely different person since we made this decision final. I think he even remembers why he married me. Phew!
In all seriousness, my work and the stress of having too much on my plate (I kind of hate that expression, but it works here) was wearing on me in all areas of my life.
Is it going to be all sunshine and rainbows from here on out? Heck no. There are going to be some major consequences to me completely switching careers. I’m still going to be working my butt off and it’s certainly not going to be easy, but I know in my heart that this is the best thing for our family right now.
I’m excited that I’ll have a few days each week to focus on being a mom instead of being glued to my computer when CJ is around. I’m thrilled that I will have more opportunities to meet other local moms. I can’t wait to spend more time at the gym teaching additional classes, taking on new personal training clients, providing nutrition consults, writing online training programs and blogging. After all this time, I’ll finally be able to honestly say that I’m passionate about my job.
So, in case you haven’t figured it out yet. I’m happy. For the first time in my life I feel like I am leaving a job not because I am running away from something (instability, long commutes, bad attitudes, etc.), but because I am running towards something(s) I love: more time with my family and helping others reach their goals.
Have you ever taken a risk or made a major career change to do something you love?
Congrats on quitting your job and starting your new life!!!! Last year when I quit my job it was one of the hardest decisions I ever made and I cried for a few days. I mainly cried because I was scared of the future. That was the best decision I could have made for me and for my family. I am a million times happier even if things are tighter at home. Your gym is awesome and I bet you guys will do even better with you being able to devote more time to it.
Thanks Robin! I’m way happier already and it’s only been a month. 🙂 I think you know deep down if it’s the right decision or not when you’re doing it!
Scary but worth it, for sure. A lot of times it’s downright frightening to give up something we know, even if it does make us unhappy. I have no doubt this will be a good switch in the long run. Follow that passion! You’re an inspiration.
Holy cow! That is sooo awesome! Best of luck to you, Amanda, in this new and exciting journey!
Thanks Jody! So excited. 🙂
Congrats! That’s so wonderful that you’re following your dreams. Good luck with the new focus 🙂
Thanks Whitney!
Great news Mandi!
Thanks Marg – see you next week!!
Welcome to the club!!! I can totally relate to what you’re going through. I was crying daily when I was still at my FT job. I’m so happy for you! I def need to come up to chelms and take one of your classes! xo
YES! You definitely get it. We need to get together for sure. I should have a little more time to breathe now and would love to have your at one of our classes. Would love to take one of yours as well!! XOXO
Good for you girl! I’m so happy that your happy, you totally deserve it!
Thanks Susan! My husband told me again last night that I’m likable now. haha 🙂
SO proud of you!!! You will do great and know that I am sending you positive thoughts and good karma. Way to follow your passion 🙂
Thanks for the positive thoughts and good karma. Hopefully it will be a smooth transition!
So happy for you and excited about what’s next! Career changes are so hard and I admire your for stepping out of your comfort zone and really following your heart!
I’ll keep you in mind when I make these career changes myself (hopefully sooner than later!).
Also, online fitness training? SIGN ME UP!
Thanks! Yes, career changes are hard, but so worth it if it makes you happy. Oooo…I want to hear more about your changes. I’m here if you want to discuss over email. 🙂 I’ll email you about online training – would love to have you as a client!
OMG so THIS is the big news you were waiting to share?? I LOVE IT!! I am SO SO SO happy to see you so happy and centered…absolutely the right decision my dear, I just know it! Rock on!!
Thanks Jess! YES…this is the big news. There’s nothing else that I know of. We’ve had enough changes for awhile. hahaha 🙂
Congratulations Amanda!! I’m really happy for you. It is such a hard decision but it’s so important to find what works for you. I did something similar about a year and a half ago. I left my full-time job because the schedule was crazy and I never saw my kids except about an hour at night and that’s when I didn’t have an evening meeting or event. It was too much and not worth it so I left and have been freelancing since. Luckily, things have been going well so far but I so value the flexibility of my schedule to be there for my kids and to see them. It is hard to balance and juggle everything while working from home but I much prefer this arrangement. It’s what works for me and my family. Wishing you all the best as you venture to this next exciting chapter!!
Christine – I love that you switched careers and are doing well and are happier. Sounds like we were in similar situations! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Congratulations Amanda! It is definitely not easy to make a bold move such as this but your happiness is so important. I wish you much success!
Scary, but so exciting! Yup – life is too short to be unhappy!
Congratulations, that’s awesome! Best of luck to you, I’m betting you’ll feel MUCH more fulfilled!
No doubt in my mind! 🙂
Congrats Amanda!! Life certainly isn’t worth living if you aren’t following your heart and taking risks 🙂 Best wishes on your new challenges and your happiness!
Thanks Michelle! You’re so right on that…I realized that spending the rest of my life working for the weekends wasn’t a great idea, especially once my bad attitude started carrying over to those weekends. haha
wow! I am so so happy for you!! This sounds like exactly the right move, right time, right everything. I can’t believe you were working full time on top of all that. I kind of forgot that part!! This will be a challenging transition/switch but you are so ready and I cannot wait to see it all unfold!! I still want to visit your gym!! We should do a swap 🙂
Thanks! I was wondering if you had figured this out, but maybe not if you completely forgot I even worked full time! Yes, we definitely need to do a switcheroo – I’ll contact you soon now that I’ll have more time!
Oh I’m so so excited for you! Isn’t it amazing what a dramatic impact tour job can have on the rest of your life? I’m so glad you’re able to pursue this path 🙂
I guess it makes sense since you spend so much time working, but I think some people are better at “turning it off” than I am!
Congrats!! That is such exciting news!
Thanks Jenny!
Amanda, just the tone of this whole post tells me you’re following your heart! Making your dreams come true is tough and takes courage, but if anyone can do it, it’s you. Congratulations on your decision. Most if all, though, I hope you continue to feel more rested (as much as that’s possible with a precious 1year old!) and like yourself again!
Funny you say that! I saw my mom for the first time in 10 days yesterday and she said even just my face looks happier and more relaxed. Thank you for the kind words. 🙂
Amanda, CONGRATULATIONS!! You already know how thrilled I am for you and your family. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for you! xoxo
Thank you and thank you for being so supportive this whole time! 🙂
It takes a lot of guts to make a huge career decision like that. Seeing that it makes you much happier and less stressed I think you made the right one!
I was SO stressed about the decision, but I know it’s the right one. Thank you!
Congratulations! You have a lot to look forward to 🙂
YES! We have a lot of work ahead, but also a lot to look forward to. So exciting!
Congratulations, Amanda–“I’ll be running towards something I love . . . ”
I love this for you, and know that it means good things for your success and happiness. Good on ya!!
Thanks Tracy! You’re HKC is almost here! 🙂 🙂
I KNOW!! (0_o)
Terrified . . . And squatting all over the house . . . Practicing flexed arm hangs at the dr’s office, Wal-Mart . . . I *will* be ready, I *will* be ready . . .
Best of luck, Grrrrrl.
Don’t be terrified! You’re going to do great!!
Amanda,
Congratulations on taking such a huge step towards your happiness and passion. Taking the risk is not an easy decision and I am happy to see you decided to go with your heart. You are an inspiration to me! Good luck with everything we will be rooting for you!
Thanks Nellie! You are so sweet…I’m glad I can be an inspiration. 🙂