Creating a Fulfilling Career in Health and Wellness
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Published Jun 26, 2015, Updated Dec 20, 2020
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As most of you know in addition to writing Eating Bird Food, I’m also a health coach and personal trainer. Health and wellness has been my passion since college and a little over a year ago I finally transitioned from a standard 9-5 career in online marketing to my dream job of being self-employed as a health and wellness professional, getting to help and inspire others to live a healthier lifestyle every day.
Waking up each morning with excitement and going to bed each night with a sense of fulfillment is such an AMAZING feeling. My wish is that everyone could have a job they are passionate about. The world would be a much happier place.
All this said, the process of making the transition wasn’t an easy one. It was a huge step to leave my secure marketing position with a salary and health benefits. I contemplated and talked it over with Isaac for months. It wasn’t until I reached a certain level of frustration that I finally decided something had to change. I was spreading myself way too thin — working a 9-5 job and spending nights and weekends working on content for Eating Bird Food, health coaching or studying for my personal training certification. I didn’t feel like I was putting 100% of myself into anything — not my full-time job, not blogging and health coaching), not even my relationships — and it was taking a major toll on my health and happiness.
I finally decided it was now or never. I had a successful blog, I had my health coaching certification, and I had the entrepreneurial drive. If I tried the self-employed thing and it didn’t work out, I could always get another job. I knew that if I didn’t go for it, I’d always regret it and wonder what could have been.
I didn’t make a big announcement here on EBF last March because to be 100% honest, I was scared. I was scared of failure. All these negative thoughts went through my mind: What if I couldn’t find health coaching clients? What if my online programs were a bust? What if I didn’t pass the personal training exam? What if the income I was making through EBF didn’t continue? It all came down to one thing — WHAT IF I WASN’T GOOD ENOUGH? I didn’t want to let myself down, but I also didn’t want to let down my family, friends and everyone that reads this blog.
These negative thoughts did nothing for me! I finally had to let them go and focus on what I COULD do to make things work and DO those things. And luckily, it has all worked out! It hasn’t been a walk in the park and there are certainly stressful days/weeks (just like any job) but I’ve also never been SO EXCITED about a job before! <— Being able to wear workout gear every day helps. 😉
Over these past months I’ve been able to work with some amazing women through my 1:1 health coaching, my online programs have been super successful, I’ve traveled to some amazing places, connected with so many inspiring people, made tons of healthy recipes to share, partnered with some of my favorite brands and started sharing more workouts. It’s been an absolute blast and I think I’ve really found my niche. It’s a good feeling and I’m so excited to see where this next year of being self-employed takes me.
One of the biggest things that gave me the courage to push towards being self-employed (besides Isaac’s encouragement) was the Institute for Integrative Nutrition Health Coach Training Program — it not only gave me the knowledge and tools to be a good health coach but helped me figure out the business side of things as well!
Question of the day — are you fulfilled with your current job? If not, what’s your dream job?
Absolutely not fulfilled whatsoever in my current job. Honestly, my dream would be to be a stay at home mom. I want to cook, bake, and raise my family. Alas, money makes this impossible, but a girl can dream!
Being a stay at home mom would be wonderful! I admire all the women that are able to do that. I’m hoping that your dream will come true. 🙂
Love this post!!! A year ago I also quit my marketing job to pursue a health and fitness career. I do work as an employee for a gym but I also do contractual group exercise work! I couldn’t be happier with my decision! 🙂 I can’t wait to one day own my own business as well!
Congrats, Emily! I love that our stories are similar. 🙂
Loved reading this post! Two months ago I stepped away from my full-time job to pursue a career as a group fitness instructor, supplemented with some income working at the desk at one of the studios I teach at. I’m probably making 60% of the money I was when I was working full time, but I am immensely happier. I’m so interested to hear how others are able to step away from their more traditional jobs to pursue a career in the fitness industry. Thanks for sharing your journey, and I’d love to read more posts like this one!
The old saying, money doesn’t buy happiness, is so true. I’m so glad you were able to make the transition as well. Teaching fitness is such a fun and rewarding career!
Thank you so much for continually providing motivation and your personal stories to show that it is possible to do something you truly love. My ultimate career is definitely along the lines of what you’re doing. I can’t listen in to your call tomorrow because we be flying back from our honeymoon. Will there be an opportunity to listen to it afterwards? I am ready to take the leap and because a health coach with wedding planning behind us. 🙂
Yay! I hope your wedding was amazing and you’re having a blast on your honeymoon. If you sign up for the webinar, you’ll receive an email with the recording so you can listen to it later. 🙂
My goal is to definitely get more involved in nutrition than I am now. I totally want to go to holistic health way next (completed my undergrad for RD route last summer, but didn’t pursue the grad/internship part) and have considered IIN! I’m glad you took the chance on yourself and decided to go into the unknown. The future isn’t scary, but exciting 🙂
That’s so cool, Char! And I totally agree, the future shouldn’t be scary but sometimes it can feel that way. 🙂 Best of luck getting more involved in nutrition.
(Wrong thread but you get it, lol.)
I have been struggling for the past few years with how to continue with my health and wellness path. I was going strong back in the Fall 2011/Winter 2012 but with my pregnancy with Edith (plus a full time job at that time), the birth of Edith and making the transition into parenthood and then picking up and moving across the country I lost a bit of my momentum. Right when I was getting back into things I found myself pregnant again (Fall 2013) and once again in transition from a stay-at-home parent to not one child but two. With two children, preparing for homeschooling, blogging, a husband with a full-time job, and a lack of childcare I found myself once again at a stand still and wondering what does the future really hold for me. After thinking things over and really trying to decide what I want to do with life I am returning to focusing more time on health coaching (luckily I have kept with it even during the down times) but this time I am first going to take a bit of time for myself and that’s where you come in! I am so excited for your 28 day program because the reality is that sometimes us health coaches need a coach of our own. I am also attending a super inspiring conference (The Hello Sessions) this October. My husband and I are also looking for regular weekend childcare so we can both focus on our passion projects. My goal is to make 2016 my year.
Amazing story!! Thank you for sharing your experience, love!
I just stumbled across your post. I am in LOVE.Your content in creative and so meaningful. I am currently completing my Life Coach certification. I decided last week my coaching niche will be health/wellness/happiness. I am so excited to read that a business is absolutely possible. Thank you for your sharing.
Starting career as health coach is really interesting and quite impressive. Because it’s need in all people. So as a health coach you can start your coaching career.