all about me: my job

Sitting here, I realized that I've gotten a few new followers over the past few months.  And since my blog is about (ahem) working mommies, I figure I should share a little about my work.

Brief history:  I grew up in the midwest, graduated from college and immediately got a job out East at a University at the ripe old age of 21.  I worked as a Strength & Conditioning coach at this university.  What does a strength coach do? I'm so glad you asked!  We do everything from weight training to running, agility, conditioning, plyometrics... everything to help an athlete get better!!  I was there for 8 years and I made some great friends and lasting relationships.  Both my kids were born there too.

Last summer, I applied and got offered a job back here in my hometown.  We up and moved and here we are. 

I work at a youth athletic development center.  We work with youth ages 7 up through high school and college. We work on everything from flexibility to running technique, weight training to agility and most of all... self-confidence.  We really incoporate character development into our daily training as well and that is what parents love most about our program.  We also have adult conditioning classes and I just started a toddler class (Me & My Mommy).  It's an interactive fitness class for mom and toddler! 

I love what I do.  I know I complained last week about my hours and being away from family, but it is so rewarding.  In fact, I just asked my husband the other day what he thought about my new job and my attitude change from my old job.  "Totally different," he said.

You see, at my old job, there were some frustrations and banging-of-the-head-on-the-wall. I kept my eye open for jobs for 3 years and in fact, almost had one at a very prominent university (ahem, Notre Dame), but things fell through. So, I took that as a sign from God that it wasn't for me.

When I found out about this job (and oh boy... that story is a story in itself!), I thought I'd give it a shot.  God guided me throughout the situation and I am so glad.  My job now involves more marketing and recruiting and getting parents and kids into our program, but when I'm teaching these kids... it's so rewarding.  There is no better feeling than having a parent come to you and say, "I can't believe how active my kid is now. I can't believe how confident he is now. He's trying out for football, can you believe it?"

The relationships you develop with these kids (and their parents) is so wonderful.  I imagine that this is what teachers feel like.  In my new Me & My Mommy class, I had a 4 year old come up to me and give me a kiss on the cheek because she had so much fun!  Absolutely priceless.

While I may struggle with juggling work and home life, I can truly say that this job is more than I thought it would be.  My husband notices that I don't complain about work. When he asks me how work was, I usually say, "Long. Tiring.  But good."

How many people can say that about their job?

What about you?  What's your job?