Recently, I made a huge change in my life. A change that has already had a big impact on me and my family. But before I get to the “change,” let me reminisce.
After high school, I knew I needed to go to college. I knew this because my parents and my brothers told me so. I had no idea what I wanted to do, but at least I was going to college. The first couple of years I switched majors at least three times. But it was okay, I was in college. I also did not want to burden my parents, so I had to take out some student loans to pay tuition.
Finally, when my general education classes were complete, I had to pick a major and try to stick with it. My brother at the time was a professor in philosophy. So, you guessed it, I declared philosophy as my major. I had no idea what I was going to do with a philosophy major, but it made my brother proud that I was studying what he loved. To tell you the truth, I kind of enjoyed the subject, but I never felt like I belonged with the “philosophers” in the department.
Senior year, I had to figure out what I was going to do for a career. At this time, I was married and had one child. It may be hard to believe, but there are not too many jobs for philosophy majors. Well, my brother who was the philosophy professor actually went to law school for a semester before switching to philosophy. He encouraged me to go to law school. Being a lawyer would be a good way to support my family and I could help people. So, I applied law school and was accepted.
I moved my family out-of-state and started law school. I found law school difficult. Lots of studying and pressure. But I made a lot of wonderful friends. When I was about to graduate, I sent out dozens of resumes. I had no idea of what being a lawyer would be like.
Fortunately, I found a job at a law firm in the big city of Salt Lake. Working as a lawyer was nothing like what I thought it would be. Plus, I swear my boss was bi-polar. He taught me some very colorful language. I ended up moving to another firm, and then another. All the while, trying to like the practice of law. While there were some areas I enjoyed, such as estate planning and adoptions, for the most part I found the practice boring, petty and frustrating.
In law school, I became good friends with the assistant strength coach at the university. He began teaching me about strength and nutrition. About how to get strong and fast. He began training me. I loved what I was learning. I began training. It continued until my first job, when because of the long hours and stress, I stopped, and lost around twenty pounds. I eventually started training again, and helping people in the gym where I worked out. I started reading every article and book I could find on training. My passion became fitness. I loved not only the changes I saw in myself, but also helping others better themselves through exercise and nutrition.
About a year and a half ago, I started seriously looking for a job, a job outside the law. But my endeavor was seriously frustrated by the bad economy. I spent a lot of time hoping, praying, and searching for something that I would enjoy. Law never fit my personality. I am a happy, relaxed person who loves to be with positive people. I hate contention and needless bickering. I felt my job was sucking the life out of me. Those of you who have had jobs that do not fit their personalities know what I’m talking about.
Nothing happened. Lots of resumes, no new job. At this same time, I had converted my garage into a gym. I began training people in my “garage gym” and started holding strength and fitness camps. I loved it. Again, fitness was my passion. I finally approached my wife with an idea. I wanted to quit my steady good paying job to pursue my passion. I am not going to lie and say my wife was okay with the idea. She was not. I remember her crying. During one of our conversations, she said she felt like throwing up. I completely understood her hesitation. We have four kids and bills to pay. Still, I was tired of waiting for life to happen. I was going to make it happen.
My Gym!
After a while, and after presenting my “plan” to my wife, she agreed. When I told my boss, who by the way I consider a good friend, I knew I had made the right decision. This time, instead of making my decision based on what others think is best for me, I made a decision I knew was best for me.
I need to note that I would never do anything that would hurt my family. The day after I quit, I took my beautiful three year old daughter for a bike ride to the park. As I watched her playing, it reaffirmed my complete devotion to her and my family. I knew I would succeed not only for myself, but for her and my family. I would never let them go without.
Now, what is my plan? Do I still practice law? Yes, but only part-time. Plus, I am limiting my practice to what I enjoy, estate planning and corporate law. My other time is spent running and growing my training business, NTS Fitness. While it has only been a short time since I made the change, things are going well and I have not regretted my decision. I also have the full support of my wife.
My New Office!
Was quitting my job crazy? Yes. Is it risky? Yes. Would most people do it? No. But was it the right thing for me and my family? Yes. Will I succeed? You bet I will.
