Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Why my job is so important

Hump Day, friends! It's Hump Day! So, I thought we were close to getting 15 participants last week.  And we were close, but I had to delete a couple links because people either A) aren't doing the meme or B) linking to their blog homepage. Please remember to link to that actual post, not your homepage!

Ok, here's the fun stuff... answer one of the following questions... or, feel free to talk about anything work related that is on your heart!

#1. Brag about you... an accomplishment at work, the huge amount of funds you raised for that big project, the fact that you're the talk of the office because of your sense of fashion or your bubbly personality. Here's your chance to brag about you!

#2. When I grow up... when you were little, what did you always want to be when you grew up?

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I don't have a typical job.  In fact, as a female in a male dominated industry, I'm the minority.  I work with youth (7 yrs up to adults) on a daily basis teaching them foundational skills for sports... running, jumping, skipping, even weight lifting. But this job is more than just about sports. And sometimes it's about more than just fitness.

It's about connecting with these kids... seeing eye-to-eye and teaching them life skills.

Even at my old job, when I was working with college kids, I wasn't a get-in-your-face coach who only cared about being top dog. I would have kids in my office on a daily basis, sharing their stories, their hurts, their successes and trials. I listened.

I've got stories and faces of kids that I have connected with on a personal level.  Just the other night, after doing a demo workout with a few kids, I saw a mom and daughter in the hallway.  They had just signed up for our program and had some questions. I spent a few minutes going over some things and the Mom said, "When are you teaching?"  And I said, "Oh, all the coaches here are qualified." 

"I know," she said. "But we know YOU and like YOU!"  Sure, that doesn't sound like much, but the time you've spent investing in this kid, knowing their hopes and dreams and where they want to go in life (with or without sports) makes an instant connection.  That same night, I ran into another Mom and her son and I spent 20 minutes talking to them.  Building a relationship.  Building this kid's confidence level.

When a kid walks into a room, I know if they are having a good day or bad day.  And if it's a bad day, I know how to cheer them up.  You see, I look at my job a lot like a teacher.  And I think I'm pretty darn good at it. I take pride in knowing these kids on a personal level, knowing their birthdays, their parents names, their favorite TV shows and what Silly Bandz is their favorite. 

I'm a relationship oriented coach. And I take pride in that. When these kids are all grown up, and someone says to them, "Who had the greatest impact on you throughout your athletic career or childhood."  And without hesitation..... JULIA.
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Answer one of the questions, grab the button, and link to your blog post!  And please, take the time to visit other working mommies!










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9 comments:

Mommycrat said...

Your job sounds so rewarding! I use to coach swimming and teach lesssons - not quite the same thing - but knowing I was having an impact on kids lives was really rewarding.

My post for today isn't quite so moving. I'm off to work now, but will check out everyone elses when I get back home (I can't blog from work).

Aunt Crazy said...

How rewarding and awesome to be recognized with love and affection!

liz said...

Good for you, Julia! And I bet to some of those kids, it makes a huge difference in their lives.

Booyah's Momma said...

The passion you have for your job is so inspiring! Your kids are lucky to have you as a teacher and coach.

Jennifer said...

Wow! It's obvious you love your job! The kids are lucky to have a coach like you!

Funky Mama Bird said...

That's so great that you are able to make those connections. It must be really rewarding.

Rachel M. said...

I love your job! Maybe someday you can put out pointers for working mom's who want to get in shape!!!

Grace Adams said...

I coached middle and high school girls' basketball for several years. Oh, the drama!

In other words, I'm impressed with someone who can do what I couldn't!

Jenny said...

Julia,
I just found your blog through Blog Frog while I was feeling a little disconnected and needed some working mommy support in my life. THANK YOU. You have so many great posts and participating women on here. Glad to be able to join in! :)
Jenny

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