Need input re: big decision

[Dogmama]

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.

[SouthernBelle]

Do what you WANT to do.

[KnottedYet]

Sounds like you want to be a dog trainer.

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

[wannaduacentury]

Do what you WANT to do.

+1

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

[mudmucker]

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.

[Crankin]

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!

[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

[beccaB]

I PM'd you, Dogmamma

[Flybye]

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.

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

[Raindrop]

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!!

[Geonz]

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 ?

[mayanorange]

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

[jobob]

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.

[ilima]

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

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.

[Dogmama]

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.