Need input re: big decision

I'm almost 54 years young & recently retired. I've always loved 2 things: dog training and exercise. I started studying to be a personal trainer but am having misgivings. Looking around, it seems like it's a young person's career & there is lots of competition for clients which breeds back stabbing.

I was approached by THE premier dog trainer in town, (possibly the Southwest,) and asked if I would like to apprentice with her. She has a thriving business and several dog trainers, but wants somebody with "integrity". I've trained & shown in obedience for 30 years & I love it. I'm really good with dogs & I can get along with anybody. I've worked with her with my own dog for over a year so I know she's the real deal.

So, there's my dilemma. I have old baggage that says, "You stick with what you started." But this has dropped into my lap suddenly & it seems like a gift I shouldn't refuse.

Do what you WANT to do.

Sounds like you want to be a dog trainer.:D

(when a gift falls into your lap, say "thank you!" and open it!)

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Originally Posted by SouthernBelle

Do what you WANT to do.

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+1

It might be a wonderful opportunity you may never see again. Ask yourself, Would you regret not doing it? Jenn

Not only +1 with what the others said, but as you glide further into this decade during your semi-retirement, when we've reached a point in our lives where we've tried to attain an economic and spiritual equilibrium and reduce stresses - do you really want to face a future that could potentially be cutthroat and backstabbing, uncertainty with the age factor you speak and all of the stresses that could go with it? You also have an alternative love to choose. Happy=healthy.

Old patterns are hard to change. Challenge yourself and take that old baggage and toss it off the train.

I PM'd you, Dogmamma

I retired last year and also thought I would do the personal training thing. I even spent $400 to buy the study materials for the exam. However, as I started studying, I realized that I really didn't want to work in a health club; although there are plenty of trainers my age at my club, generally you don't get treated that well when you work in a gym. This is based on my ten years experience as a group exercise instructor. I thought really hard about what I wanted to do and decided to go back to school to become a clinical mental health counselor. I want to work with people dealing with eating, weight, health issues. Although it is going to take me 3 years to get the degree and another 2 years of working full time to be able to call myself "licensed," I feel much more comfortable in this role.
I am the same age as you and I say do what you want!

Go with your first instinct! It will never let you down. **See right now what are you thinking when I said that??*** THere is your answer

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Originally Posted by Dogmama

I have old baggage that says, "You stick with what you started." But this has dropped into my lap suddenly & it seems like a gift I shouldn't refuse.

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I assume that you have had trouble jumping around with things, hence the "stick with what you started". From your post, you are 54. I agree with others, that you should do what will make you happy. What can you see yourself doing in 10 or so years? If you would be happier, change and give yourself some grace. Have you made a big financial investment in the personal trainer studies? What would going the other route cost? What does losing the investment in the trainer studies seem like if you look at it from 10 years down the road? Can you do both? Most dog training in in the evenings/nights and gym training is in the daytime.
My $.02

I became a certified personal trainer while I was still employed in my career and put in some time training at a fitness facility. When I found out I was being severed (after 30 years), I got serious about starting my own business and I've been doing in-home training for the last five years. It's a little challenging now...with gas prices I had to increase my fees, and I've lost a few clients due to them cutting out expenses (me :(), but I'm still doing alright.

However, if I was going to get into this business now, instead of being in the fitness industry since 1997 (as an indoor cycling instructor), I'd be hesitant. It's hard to establish your credibility as an older instructor/trainer if you start your career in any of the big box gyms (Ballys, 24 hour Fitness, LA Fitness etc) and the smaller privately owned facilities don't always provide enough clientel.

However, you've already established yourself in the other realm, and it sounds like you love that, and have a golden opportunity. I'd go for it!!

It's reasonable to ask yourself if you're jumping from one pot into another because the first one is losing its novelty... but the answer really could be that a golden opportunity has come your way.
In a year which decision will have you kicking yourself less ?

The world needs some great dog trainers! Go for it! It sounds like a great opportunity that should get you way more clients than personal training and who doesn't want to be around doggies all day??

Gwenn, owned by 2 of the best dogs ever

Sounds like a fabulous opportunity.

And, correct me if I'm mistaken, but isn't part of dog training also training the owners of the dogs? So you wouldn't be going way too far afield of your original plan. Just revising it a bit. :cool:

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Originally Posted by Katie.Marie

Go with your first instinct! It will never let you down. **See right now what are you thinking when I said that??*** THere is your answer

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I cracked up when I read this!

You guys are THE BEST!!!!

I'm meeting with the dog trainer today, after telling her I had to think about this a little. I think I have my answer.:D

I have about $600 invested. In a year's time, or 10 year's time, it will seem like nothing. I certainly don't want to be miserable over $600. I've thought that the fitness industry was really cutthroat. I would have to start in a "big box gym" (love that!) because I have no clients and nowhere else to train. BUT, it hasn't been a total waste. I'll still get my cert because I'm really close to finishing my studies and I've learned a LOT about training me.

And yes, dog training is basically people training!

I remember sitting at my desk thinking that I'd sure rather be training dogs than working with faculty. Dogs are much easier. They work for cookies.:p

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Originally Posted by Dogmama

They work for cookies.:p

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Personal trainers work because of cookies.;)

It sounds like you could always go back to the personal training, but the dog training opportunity is here and now.

It would be great to have a personal trainer who specializes in exercising with your dog. Now there's a market niche.

(From what I've seen at dog shows, alot of handlers could use some personal training...)

Well.....I might be biased but I'd vote for a career in dog training. :)

I used to be a certified aerobic instructor and while it was fun, I couldn't continue the pace and eventually dropped the fitness instruction. Gyms do seem to be geared for the younger market although the Baby Boomers do make up a larger market.

You obviously have a lot of working knowledge of showing and training dogs. I would think you would enjoy the challenge of helping dog owners establish a good relationship and enjoy the full benefits of responsible ownership.

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Originally Posted by tulip

It would be great to have a personal trainer who specializes in exercising with your dog. Now there's a market niche.

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I *love* this!

Sending lots of butterflies to help you through these next few weeks. Even when change is good, it's stressful, so hopefully the butterflies will help.....

H&B
~T~

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Originally Posted by tulip

It would be great to have a personal trainer who specializes in exercising with your dog. Now there's a market niche.

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I was thinking this too! Kind of a Mommy and Me fitness training, only it's Doggie and Me. :D

**OK, let's bench press these Schnauzers....**

How about drafting a greyhound? 'Cept, he wouldn't point out the potholes :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by Pedal Wench

Personal trainers work because of cookies.;)

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I need to hang that on the vending machine at work!!:p:p:p

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Originally Posted by Dogmama

I have old baggage that says, "You stick with what you started."

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Man we've got a lot of weird hang-ups & bad habits in this country. Clean your plate. Don't quit what you started.

Ugh. In grad school I saw so many people just get their PhD because, well, they started it and aught to finish it. Nevermind that they were miserable and didn't intend to use their degree anyway. They'd stick it out for years to get 'er done. Utter fear about what to do next is what motivated them to stick with it, I think.

Quitting grad school seemed to actually be the more difficult, brave and smart decision. Only a select few who recognized grad school wasn't their thing had the cajones to walk away and say What's next?

You already know what's next.

My parents drilled that into me, whilst my step-father spent big $$ on fleeting hobbies like scuba diving, archery, etc.

Then somebody told me that I had the right to change my mind. Of course, I understood that from the neck up - but the neck down said different.

So, it's been very hard for me to admit that personal training might not be what I want, having spent money and many many hours of study. Maybe I should have looked harder at the profession. I have learned so much, though, about exercise, muscle function, anatomy, etc. - all things that hold my interest. I'll get my cert because I'm very close and who knows - maybe someday I'll use it. But not now.

I guess I have a different mentality when it comes to quitting. I started a second degree in Sports Management because I didn't want to do the engineering thing anymore. One year before graduation, I decided I wanted to just hang it up and sit on the couch. I decided not to quit. I just think finishing it enhanced my engineering career because as I tell people ...if you want to compete and learn about negotiation, sports is the number one area to learn it. And I was right. I learned alot framed in 'sports' that I apply to work every day.

I'm taking my CPR/AED class tonight and in a few weeks I will finally get the nerve up to take my personal trainer cert. which was one of the main reasons I got the degree. It has been a life long 'want' of mine for a long time...it wanes sometimes but I always wanted to complete it. I trained people out west, specificially people that are morbidly obese or just sedentary with no desire to exercise. I am probably going to bite the bullet out here in the east and work for a big box gym just to 'work' as I find it hard not knowing people here. But who knows.

I just see each thing you do as an opportunity. It's not the end all. It's a journey or more like a set of monkey bars where you just keep monkey barring along.

Why can't you do both? AND why can you incorporate BOTH? ie personal training people while training their dogs (aka agility!!!) Now that would be a cool idea :) I hope I'm not repeating anyone else! haha...

That and pet sitting gets my vote. If I could find a good pet sitter here in Mass I could keep em busy with the unemployed border collie/kelpie that is just ...well..bored...

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Originally Posted by Dogmama

I was approached by THE premier dog trainer in town, (possibly the Southwest,) and asked if I would like to apprentice with her. She has a thriving business and several dog trainers, but wants somebody with "integrity". I've trained & shown in obedience for 30 years & I love it. I'm really good with dogs & I can get along with anybody. I've worked with her with my own dog for over a year so I know she's the real deal.

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Dogmama, I know who the trainer is. She is top notch. I trained my dog with one of her trainers and she worked with my partner and her dog as well. Don't pass this up. Sometimes doors open for a reason. So, in all fairness, perhaps its even possible to both for a while.

Good-Luck on your choice,
-Mary

A huge THANK YOU to everybody! I am starting apprenticing today with the trainer and I'm so excited. I will get my pt cert also & as soon as I get settled in training, I'll look into personal training. I am certified as a spin instructor, and I really want to do that too.

This is the best board on the net!