Annoucement: Part III
Sorry for the delay– lots of work things to get done and I am leaving early today (to hear Al Gore speak), so I’m trying to fit it all in! Anyway…
So, guys, this news might be somewhat unexpected, especially after my previous 2 announcements (Announcement: Part I and Announcement: Part II), but I’ve thought long and hard about this, and now it’s time to share it with my blog friends.
Obviously, you guys have noticed how stressed I’ve been over these past few weeks from trying to juggle a full-time job, a part-time job, studying for an exam, blogging, and having a life outside of all of that. Basically, I’ve taken on too much, and now I realize that I can’t manage it all. Emotionally, I’m exhausted, unhappy, and cranky. Physically, I can’t sleep, my skin is breaking out like I am teenager again, and I am constantly tense. (I’m not sure my recent massage helped at all!) I feel like I never have time to relax and unwind. I barely spend time with my husband (I don’t even see him on Tuesdays!), which, of course, is not good in the first year of any marriage. And I feel like I am always on some form of public transportation going to or from a job! It is definitely time for something to change!
So, after a mini-emotional breakdown with lots of crying, panic, and wondering what the hell to do with my life, I’ve decided that personal training is not the best career move for me right now. I still have a strong passion for education, and despite sitting behind a desk for endless hours, I am not ready to give up all that I have worked for in the field. (I’ve worked in education for 6 years and my Master’s degree is in Higher Education Administration.) I felt like in order to become a personal trainer, I would need to turn my life upside-down to accommodate the needs of a new career, and after considering what it takes to make such a massive change, I realized that I wasn’t ready for a life 180 like I had originally planned. I thought I wanted a new career, but when it came down to it, my heart wasn’t really in it after all. I still have an interest in personal training, but, for now, my role as a Fitness Specialist will satisfy this curiosity.
I’ve also decided to put off studying for the NASM certification exam, mainly because it was a huge source of my stress. I’m a student at heart, so not doing well on an exam was just not an option for me. I was putting WAY too much pressure on myself and making myself crazy. I felt like any free time that I had should be devoted to studying, even though I wasn’t allowing myself any downtime to just chill. I still may take the exam in the future (I spent lots of money to do so!), but I will definitely change my expectations and study pace. I’m not sure where my fitness career will lead next, but at least the NASM certification is still an option. On the bright side, however, in just a couple of months, I have learned quite a lot from studying. This new knowledge will likely make me a better, more informed Fitness Specialist and blogger… so, I guess, it’s not all bad! 
Even though this career change didn’t workout as planned, I’m glad that I at least gave it try. I jumped in with 2 feet and tried my best, but, in the end, I didn’t want it bad enough to uproot and reorder my entire life. I needed to see if I could make it happen firsthand; I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I’m one of those people who will listen to others’ opinions, but in the end, do what I want. I just had to try it for myself. Now, I won’t wake up in 10 years and wonder, what if, right?
This experience has taught me a lot about myself. For one, I really love helping people learn about health and wellness– both as a Fitness Specialist and as a blogger. It’s fun for me to teach abs class and instruct one-on-one fitness orientations and assessments at Healthworks as well as blog about my own eating habits and advise readers on balanced nutrition and wellness. I also realized that I didn’t need to make such a drastic change in order to be happy and fulfilled. My life was going pretty well before all of this career change madness, and I now appreciate all of it so much more. (The grass isn’t always greener, people!) And finally, I realize that education, nutrition, and fitness all NEED to be part of my life in some capacity. Of course, it would make my life easier to combine all 3 into one career, but the arrangement that I have now seems to fulfill all of these different interests. My full-time job is my outlet for education, my Fitness Specialist role is my outlet for fitness, and Carrots ‘N’ Cake is my outlet for nutrition… and they all help people in one way or another. It seems like a good plan for now! Who knows where the road will lead me next… at least I am a little closer now.
Thanks to all of you who have supported me through this whole journey. It hasn’t been easy at times, but you guys have definitely kept me truckin’ through all of it!
“What happens to you doesn’t matter; what you become through those experiences is all that is significant. This is the true meaning of life.”
Posted by: Tina 59 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:30 pm
Excellent choice, Tina. I’m so glad you really thought about what was best for you and your family. Way to respect and honor your mental health.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Tina, it sounds like you’ve definitely “done your research” right, in order to make the best decision possible for YOU. Kudos!! And enjoy
Wonderful quote as well!!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:36 pm
Good for you for giving it a try. No use being a stress ball – life is too short to play that game. Enjoy the time you have with your new hubby – believe me I NEVER get to spend time with my man like I used to. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Coming out of lurking to say I’m glad you’ve made a decision that best benefits you in all aspects of your life. Being healthy, mentally and physically, is about being whole and balanced, and it sounds like you’re headed in the best direction for you and yours.
Love the quote!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:41 pm
Thank you very much for sharing with us Tina. Good for you for taking a chance and realizing that you could be happy and fulfilled without having to make too many changes. I really love that quote you shared; it is beautiful and so true.
I hope that now that you have made this decision you and your hubbie have more time to nest! wish you both the best.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:43 pm
At least you go all that great experience and knowledge and then decided…it’s so much better to actually jump in and try something, THEN make a decision and you decided what was best for you and thats most important! Plus it is something that you could totally decide to go back to down the road.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:44 pm
The feeling of ot knowing what to do is possibly the most stressful feeling, and it sounds like you made the best desicion for you! The best part, you at least tried doing what you wanted to do, which is more than most people do and you deserve a TON of credit for that!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
i think you made a very educated decision, and you know what…. at least you tried!!!
GOOD LUCK!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:45 pm
Good for you for realizing your limits. Will you continue to work as much at the fitness club? I used to work two jobs so I know how un-fun that can be
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Great job on giving a new career a chance!! So many of us think about a different career but don’t actually attempt it. Thanks for sharing!!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Thanks for sharing that with us as well. I’ve been going through similar conversations with myself and have noticed the same thing happen with other friends who are around our ages. Throughout much of the summer I was feeling lost and disatisfied with my job and considering a major change. I thought about leaving my advertising job and going to culinary school. I did a ton of research from exploring different programs to talking to professions to reading literature on the field. After doing a ton of research I came to realize that a drastic shift was not for me. What I have done is shifted the focus from being 100% about my career to being more holisitc. I’ve realized I’m happier when I make time for a bunch of different things than putting all my eggs in one basket. For example, I don’t have to work in food to share my passion for it and grow to become a better cook. That’s not to say that either of us couldn’t explore these things down the road, but I don’t think we need to make quick decisions. I think one of the challenges with our generation is that we can tend to jump too quickly from one opportunity to the next or chase after an idealized career or lifestyle. It sounds like you’ve made a good choice for yourself and thank you for sharing that journey with us.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I think you made a good decision for you! Take it from someone who puts too much pressure about school on themself also. Last semester I put to much pressure and stress on myself and it turned into an eating disorder.
It is GREAT you can recognize your stress and change! 
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:50 pm
The hardest thing in the world isn’t figuring out what you want, it’s figuring out what’s best for you and then acting on it. By not following one path you’ve opened up your life to lots of new paths.
Now go get a mani/pedi and make your loving husband take you out for a lavish dinner – you’ve earned it!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
I can definitely understand your choice. I hate over-extending myself. I have to have down time for myself and with my husband.
You can always keep your studying up a little at a time over the long term. At some point you may feel prepared to sign up for an exam. Taking it slower may be the answer, or maybe it isn’t in the cards. Life always has a way of working out for the best.
Enjoy getting some of your personal time back!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Tina, you’ve showed us all what it is to follow our hearts, take risks, and not be afraid to admit something wasn’t working out. I think we can all use you as an example in our journeys to find ourselves. Thanks for sharing your story with us. Best of luck to you!!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:57 pm
Oh my gosh, Tina, you’re such an inspiration! To make such a large life-changing decision like you did, and then realize and admit that maybe it wasn’t that perfectly “right path” that you’d been looking for takes so much courage and strength, it’s completely admirable. Not to mention you obviously did a lot of self-reflection which, aside from all the stress and frustration, nearly makes this experience worth it. I’m so glad that you’re able to appreciate all the wonderful outlets you have for your passion and just sit back and enjoy the life you’ve got! I’m wishing you the very best with everything… although, let’s be serious, you’re already doing such an amazing job in each of your passions you probably don’t need it
. Take care!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 12:58 pm
It sounds like you’re making the best decision for you RIGHT NOW- and that’s the best part, you can always do something different later!! I hope that your life is less stressful now
Best of luck!
Have you considered getting certified as a group exercise instructor as your outlet for fitness?
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Good for you. It takes a lot of courage and knowledge of yourself to be able to take a step back and realize what is most important in your life. My motto has always been “it’s better to regret something that you did than to regret something you didn’t do”. And you won’t regret this at all, I’m sure.
On that note, thanks for blogging; you’re an inspiration to a lot of people. Good luck!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
The quote is just perfect for the occasion. Whatever is your decision, as long as it’s what you really want, go for it! And I know that the process during which you went through to decide and ask yourself what do you really want wasn’t easy, but because of the long process, now you can be sure about what you’ll do and you’ll appreciate more what you do everyone.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:13 pm
Good for you for being strong enough to self reflect and realize what YOU need out of life. Thanks for being such an inspiration, as well as an open and honest blogger.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:17 pm
It’s your effort that I admire. You really took a plunge and followed your heart. You are really inspiring
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
You are so strong and brave and I am really proud of you for being true to yourself. It is wonderful that your share your life experiences with others, and I am sure that helps lots of people which is an amazing thing!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I think it is awesome that you stepped back and took the time to figure out what was really right for you! I admire and respect you! You go girl!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Good for you for realizing how hard you were being on yourself and for not being afraid to change your mind about something. What matters is how we feel and if you were feeling stressed and down then it was time to reassess. It’s great that you will be able to meet all of your interests in some way.
You are such an inspiration in so many ways! Good luck Tina
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:31 pm
I’m glad you’re doing what’s right for you. I’ve gotten tired just thinking about your life recently, and I’m not even the one who has to do it!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:36 pm
I’ve never commented before, but I love to read your blog! You are very down to earth, and have such a great outlook on life. This post is the perfect testament to that outlook! Sometimes your passion doesn’t have to be your life. It seems like you have balanced all of your passions into different segments of your life. For me, that has always been the best way to stay motivated and happy. Cramming too much into one aspect of your life is bound to lead to pressure and then stress. Who needs it? You sound 100% happier just having made this choice!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Yes! You know what will make you happy in the end. Who cares how long or what path you take to get there.
Try to enjoy and relax a bit while the weather is still decent!! It’s about to get pretty cold around here… eek
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Good for you, Tina!
It’s been lovely to read your blogs and have learned so much! It’s great to see someone in the field (that I’m currently pursuing my Masters in), continuing to blog and keep that outlet open. Makes me feel confident that I’ll do the same!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Hi Tina,
I’m also REALLY glad that Annoucement Part III wasn’t about stopping blogging. I was worried!
I’ve never posted, but have been a loyal Carrots n’ Cake reader for months. Your revised plan sounds like a good one. Hopefully your life will now have less stress and more happiness
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:46 pm
GOOD FOR YOU, GIRLFRIEND!
BRAVO!!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:52 pm
Don’t even sweat it! I moved from New York, where I’ve lived my entire life, to Florida for college – where I always dreamed of going to school. I thought a complete change in my life would be great, but it just didn’t work out like I thought it would. I am now back in New York working towards my bachelor’s degree. To this day I always say that no matter how hard it was being away for those four months, it was worth it because, had I not gone, I would have always wondered what if?
Plus, even if years pass and you still want to become a personal trainer, you can! The opportunity will never go away!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 1:56 pm
XOXO. Glad you’re making the decision that’s best for YOU!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Good for you! I have been in your situation. I quit my job to try to become a personal trainer TWICE! I learned alot about myself in those few short months, but I was struggling financially(as I was trying to get a client base established), emotionally, and physically(working long hours on the floor). And I realized that I HATED prospecting for clients and approaching people while they were working out since I hate to be bothered when I am working out. I am still trying to figure out what else I want to do to fulfill my fitness & nutrition outlet.
Best of luck to you!! I love your blog!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 2:12 pm
This is truly inspirational to anyone who thinks they may want to make a switch in their careers.
I am glad you could find the balance you want, or at least find a way to get to the balance.
You are awesome, and I highly respect you.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Good for you, Tina!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Thanks for sharing this story, Tina. I often contemplate the “what-could-have-been” moments where I’d like to completely change everything around. I think it’s good to recognize 1) what you’ve worked for up until this point and 2) how you can keep doing that and the other things in your life that make you happy (exercise, food blogging, etc). I think it’s great that you experimented with this, and even though you were stressed, you didn’t reflect that too much in your blog! I was ultra impressed with the way you managed to keep writing amazing posts despite how busy you were. I think if you can keep your specialist position – you will have the best of both worlds (AND get to see Mal more – which is important!)
The long and the short of it: Thanks for sharing, and I know you made the right decision!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I bet you feel better now that you have gotten that off your chest. I am glad you are doing what makes you happy. Sometimes you just have to try things out to see if they are cut out for you or not. Hang in there, Tina!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Tina, I think you made a great choice! We live in a society where constantly wanting more is the norm but sanity and relationships may suffer as a result. I went through something similar this past year (right before the wedding actually) with taking on too much and not enjoying life and my time with my fiance. I’m now forbidden to go back to school
I’m ok with that… for now.
We should do another Boston dinner sometime to celebrate!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Elina,
I totally agree about another dinner! Anywhere that you’ve been dying to try?
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
I want to thank you for sharing, for striving, and for setting a great example for a healthy lifestyle (on all levels). I find that most regret in life comes from not necessarily an action but inaction. Good luck!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Good for you for all of your decisions! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed following your journey through twists & turns, and it’s refreshing to hear that you aren’t going to push yourself into a whirlwind of unhappiness.
It’s especially motivating to me right now as I prepare myself to tackle quite a few things in my life that I’ve been putting off for some time. It’s good to remind ourselves that sometimes it’s best to just give it a try!
Thanks!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 3:19 pm
I agree on the Boston dinner! Fun fun.
Tina, I really admire your choice. Not only are you struggling with major career/life decisions, you’re doing it for all your readers to see. Now THAT’S pressure! Sometimes we need a little critical distance to realize that we’re just fine – right where we are.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 3:47 pm
It sounds like you made the best decision for you and your life. You gave it a shot and figured out exactly what you need in life to make you happy in the process. thanks for sharing!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 4:09 pm
i really admire you for throwing yourself into it and giving it your best shot – i’m sure that if you hadn’t, you would have always “what if”ed and now you won’t. this is obviously the best decision for you since you are your own best critic, and it seems everything will only be uphill from here!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Tina, I am so inspired by your ability to not be afraid to try new things, and yet make your ultimate decisions based on what YOU want and need, not what others expect from you. I am very happy that you are happy with your choice and think you do a FANTASTIC job as a blogger and will continue to do a fantastic job as a Fitness Specialist and with your current full-time job. Kudos to you for being such a positive role model — not only in your healthy living habits, but in your entire life philosophy! I am so glad that I “know” you!!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 5:42 pm
Tina, I love that you dug deep and realized what will make you truly happy, and not what you think should make you happy. It takes courage to go after your dreams, but it takes even more courage to admit they might not be the right ones. Remember, no regrets!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Good for you for trying and listening to your wants and needs! In the end, it’s your life and you need to be happy!
Heather
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Tina, it takes a balanced and mature person to be able to step back and evaluate their current situation and come to the best decision for them and their family. I applaud your ability to do that because not many people can. Good for you! YaY!
I’m like you, I have to try something to see how it works for me. I can’t just take other opinions as gospel. It might influence my decision but in the end it’s about what I decide.
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 6:51 pm
Good for you for pinning down what will make you happiest, in your job, marriage, and most importantly, with yourself. I wish you all the best!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 7:12 pm
glad you made the BEST decision nfor YOU! also glad you are m keeping the blog!!! and spending more time with Mal is a plus
i hope everything works out for you with your current job and who knows where you will be 5-10 years down the road from now!?!? you have endless possibilities!!!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 7:14 pm
I’m glad you were able to sort everything out! You’re right! No job is worth the stress you’ve been under and you deserve a break
Regardless of what you do, you will be amazing at it!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Health & Happiness is sooooo important. Good decision . Have a great and relaxing time tonight
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Amen to that quote, Tina! I’m sorry you had such an emotionally trying time coming to a decision, but I am glad that you were able to make one that you are satisfied with. Sounds good to me! Good luck with everything, hope you have a nice night!
on Oct 22nd, 2008 at 11:41 pm
Always continue to amaze and inspire me Tina– and I’m so glad you are so in tune to your own happiness!! I’m trying to implement this is my own life, thank you. What’s meant to be, will be
on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 8:27 am
Well, there is just about every bakery in the Boston area, hehe, but I guess that’s not dinner
I need to think about that!
on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 10:39 am
All,
Thank you for all of your wonderful and supportive comments! You guys are the best!!!
on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 2:57 pm
I’m glad to hear you are going to prioritize your health and happiness, and perhaps even sanity! You had a lot on your plate; I’m so amazed you were able to accomplish so much with your days! I think you’re an inspiration no matter what. I’m still trudging along with my own NASM studies; I know how stressful that can be. Keep up the awesome work Tina!
on Oct 23rd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I really respect that you made this decision and then were open about it, and don’t seem to be beating yourself up about it (and why?). Your blog is by far one of my favorites because you are so in touch with your nutritional & emotional needs, and balancing that with living in the moment.
I also wanted to comment because i agree with you completely about PB larabars!! I don’t know what it is- I am a huge PB person (used to eat it spoonful by spoonful growing up)- but it was really disappointing. Guess I just need the real thing! The coconut one, however, is sooo good!
Happy Friday!
on Oct 3rd, 2009 at 8:17 am
[...] discussing) a major life change this weekend too. For instance, last year, I seriously considered becoming a personal trainer, the year before, Mal told his parents that he wanted to propose to me, and the year before that I [...]