September 2011: Quit my job
October 2011: Moved from DC to Tampa
November 2011: With my boyfriend, started a business
December 2011: started bartending part-time
February 2012: started a part-time job as a wellness attendant at the Tampa YMCA; still bartending occasionally; still managing a small business; still pooped
It sounds simple when I write about the past few months in an abbreviated timeline. It’s been exciting but stressful.
The Small Business: To borrow restaurant terminology I learned from Top Chef, my boyfriend is a front-of-the-house person. While he installs gate equipment, chats with suppliers and flirts with condo property managers, I’m doing the behind the scenes work of managing finances, marketing, and staying on top of government filings. While I don’t have a personal passion for the gate and fence industry, I’ve loved learning how to start a business. I’m making an investment in our financial future and learning skills that will help me run my own business in the future.
The Wellness Job: About a year ago, exasperated from frustration with my career, I sat down to figure out what I wanted to do next. Between career exercises, personality tests, a hoard of blogs dedicated to helping one “find their passion,” and looking back on what led me to my previous jobs I came to the conclusion that I wanted to become a wellness coach. This is an industry that doesn’t have a fixed standard for qualifications. Private certifications exist, some of which I believe will be helpful, but nothing is required. Anyone can call themselves a wellness coach. This is a blessing (I do not want to pursue another degree right now) and a curse (how will I know when I’m ready). My wellness job at the YMCA is part of my self-guided education. I will be coaching people on their exercise plans and will also have the opportunity to become a personal trainer.
The Bartending: I have always secretly fantasized about bartending, but never pursued it. My funemployment, or my funder-employment, provided the opportunity to give it a shot. I needed part-time work that left most of the business hours available for our business. I currently work on an on-call basis, but I hope to find something more permanent soon.
So I’m working. I’m making some money. I’m getting experience to help support my future business. I’m enjoying myself but it is often difficult. We often feel alone in running a new business. For me, in taking a road less traveled means taking the time to forge a path though the weeds and fallen branches of unknown fears. While I don’t expect life on a silver platter I often wish writing my own script was easier.