Decisions, Decisions... Job Opportunity tough choice

Fat2FitMyDrive

So, I've been in the automotive industry for many years. I just recently decided I was interested in possibly changing careers and centering more around health and fitness as it really has become a major passion and quite simply a joy for me. I just moved into another position at the Dealership I work for making a great salary, but just received a job offer today from a Major Fitness Center Chain as a Personal Training Director. I am torn because I want this opportunity, but it would mean taking a significant pay cut and I'd have to start out in a lesser position that would be an extremely modest salary or commision based on my sales whichever is more basically. I'm a little concerned because I have an amazing wife and three awesome daughters that I need to support and a commission based job can be difficult, but I am a great salesman and I have a true passion for motivating and inspiring others. What do you guys think? I'm not unhappy in my current job, but this new opportunity would give me the foot in the door I need to really make a career in the health and fitness industry.

the_great_beyond_

Don't let a hobby turn into a career... especially not when you have mouths to feed.

Try this job on a part time basis and DON'T quit your day job until you are sure that you will be able to take care of your family with this new career.

Fat2FitMyDrive

Don't let a hobby turn into a career... especially not when you have mouths to feed.

Try this job on a part time basis and DON'T quit your day job until you are sure that you will be able to take care of your family with this new career.

I thought about that, but it's an all or nothing kinda deal. So, we have a lot to think about.

blukitten

Don't let a hobby turn into a career... especially not when you have mouths to feed.

Try this job on a part time basis and DON'T quit your day job until you are sure that you will be able to take care of your family with this new career.

Agree

LazSommer

Ask your wife.

the_great_beyond_

Don't let a hobby turn into a career... especially not when you have mouths to feed.

Try this job on a part time basis and DON'T quit your day job until you are sure that you will be able to take care of your family with this new career.

I thought about that, but it's an all or nothing kinda deal. So, we have a lot to think about.

I would pass and try to find a part time PT gig. There are a lot of certifications you can get that will allow you to freelance with personal training. They don't cost much and you don't have to quit your job.

HerkMeOff

Don't let a hobby turn into a career... especially not when you have mouths to feed.

Try this job on a part time basis and DON'T quit your day job until you are sure that you will be able to take care of your family with this new career.

I thought about that, but it's an all or nothing kinda deal. So, we have a lot to think about.

I would pass and try to find a part time PT gig. There are a lot of certifications you can get that will allow you to freelance with personal training. They don't cost much and you don't have to quit your job.

This.

srmchan

I have an amazing wife and three awesome daughters that I need to support

I think you know your answer. That said...

I'd have to start out in a lesser position that would be an extremely modest salary or commission based on my sales whichever is more basically.

The $64,000 question is can you support your family on the modest salary alone? I'm in a commissioned sales job, too. When I took it, I accepted a cut in my base pay - but I made sure my budget would fit within my base pay. I consider the commissions gravy, and I use them to augment retirement savings, do nice-to-have home improvement projects, hire a personal trainer, and similar things I normally wouldn't build into my base budget. In the 3 years I've been doing this, I've never had an issue with commissions drying up for a long period of time - but I fully expect it to happen someday as we're just another terrorist attack or housing bundle collapse away from the economy locking up. I absolutely don't count on commissions until the check has cleared and it's in my bank account.

I'm sure you've done this, but you need to look at it holistically as well. For instance, is your commute longer or shorter and how does that affect your transportation budget? Will you get a free gym membership that you can remove from your budget? Are the benefits like health insurance more or less expensive and will you have to lay out more or less money when you go to the doctor or buy prescription medicines? In my case, I went from a job where I commuted 30 miles round trip in heavy traffic to one where I worked out of my house. My fuel bill dropped dramatically - but I forgot to consider the higher electricity bill from running the A/C or heat during the work day.

I'd love to quit my job or retire as well, but I feel I have an obligation to my wife and family. Like I tell them, "I'm a dad; it's what I do." :-)

Hope that helps. Good luck in your decision.

Sam

LegendaryOrange

Don't let a hobby turn into a career... especially not when you have mouths to feed.

Try this job on a part time basis and DON'T quit your day job until you are sure that you will be able to take care of your family with this new career.

This.

VelveteenArabian

Find a part time opportunity. As a fitness director, you're probably going to have to be managing the sales people. I can tell you from watching the two local branches of my gym - they have HIGH turnover. Very few staff seem to stay.

bethlaf

do freelance, I earn more as a motivational speaker and one on one weight loss coach than i do in my "day job"
i have 5 kids at home, and my husband is out of town constantly
so i understand completely where you are coming from , i am sure it would be good work - eventually...
but if youre not financially secure enough now to handle it , you could never afford the lean months when next to nothing comes in .

elusive_design

For me, personally, that would be a mistake. Quitting an established position for one with a lesser salary, fewer hours and less security might be okay for a guy in his 20s but the moment you have other people relying on you the whole dynamic changes. I have to side with bey on this one... On a side note, if you truly do have a passion for fitness and you really are considering a change into that field... Have you looked into the possibility of opening your own gym? Regardless of age there is nothing to stop someone from stepping back into the college life to learn more about business, or fitness, or any subject really. It's a far more sustainable option than working for pennies at your local franchise.

/my two cents
~ which are likely worthless due to inflation

sentaruu

don't quit your day job.

pick up a PT gig on the side if you really want to try it. don't gamble with your family's life here.

jennifer_417

Don't let a hobby turn into a career... especially not when you have mouths to feed.

Try this job on a part time basis and DON'T quit your day job until you are sure that you will be able to take care of your family with this new career.

I thought about that, but it's an all or nothing kinda deal. So, we have a lot to think about.

I would pass and try to find a part time PT gig. There are a lot of certifications you can get that will allow you to freelance with personal training. They don't cost much and you don't have to quit your job.

This.

Yup. If you were single and had only yourself to think about, that would be one thing. But you have your family to think of.

Fat2FitMyDrive

Thank you for all the awesome replies. I agree 100% as much as I'd love to make this my career I need to stay where I'm financially grounded for now. The funny thing is the commute is almost nil at both jobs. My current job is 2.1 miles away and the other is 1.2, Lol. I will let them know and you never know he may offer me another opportunity if he really wants me as part of he team. Either way I'm happy and appreciative having so many good opportunities. Thank you again for taking your time to respond it's very much appreciated.

HershelEaton

You are right doing job is a different thing and hobby is different buy if you still want to make your hobby as career make sure that this career does well for you all time in future as once you choose a career for yourself .