I spent 5 years in college earning a double degree in Finance and Management. I work for institutional investor as an Accountant. I have worked there for 4 years. I have decided that I don't like sitting at a desk all day, and I get tired of looking at the damn numbers all day.
Hobbies include weight lifting/fitness, fishing and hunting.
Anybody have any ideas on how I could turn these into careers?
I would like to go back to school to get some sort of masters. I am defiantly not interested in a MBA.
Any ideas on how to pay for masters would be helpful. Loans are out of the question (I already have plenty of those from undergrad). The company I work for now would be happy to pay for a MBA but would laugh me right out the door if I tried to get them to pay for any of the Masters programs I’m actually interested in.
It Sunday evening and I have to go back to that job I don’t like tomorrow.
BTW, I am 27 years old and don't have a family yet, so there is nothing to tie me down at this point.
Joseph Campbell once said, "Follow your Bliss." If what you are doing is not making you happy, keep searching for what does. If it is fitness, be prepared for some lean times (I mean financially, although probably also physically as well). But if you love what you do and you are determined you will find a way to make it work. You may even make a decent living at it. Remember the other old saying... "Every overnight success was 20 years in the making." That means I only have 3-4 years to go!
You also mentions fishing and hunting. If you are really good at it, and don't mind living without all the creature comforts that a financial guy has (with some disposable income) you could probably be really happy doing it. Money is not the final gauge of how successful you are. If you are doing something you love you are leagues ahead of most of the working stiffs in the world.
Have you looked into Fish & Game Management. This area is booming in states that recognize it as a tourist draw. Arkansas has a very strong Fish & Game Commission and I'm sure you could find one that could use someone with Finance and Management exerience that also has a love for the things they promote.
Just an idea from someone still looking for that professional bliss.
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Today's mighty oak was once just some nut who held his ground!
Originally posted by russ: Could you be more specific in terms of what you're looking for? If you're the entrepreneurial type, JP's line of work might be an option.
I actually have a lot of interest. I listed hobbies but here are some others things that I’m interested in. I like being outdoors, extremes don't bother me too much. I have also had a long interest in astronomy and the space program in general. Actually I originally wanted to be an Astronaut, I wanted to pilot the space shuttle. My bad vision pretty much ruled that out. I also like reading about current events, things like the Iraq war, war on terrorism, politics and news in general. Honestly though when I started Finance I thought I was interested in that, and for a while I was interested in it, but I lost interest and realized it was not what I wanted to do.
I have actually thought about following the rout that JP took. I’m not the most out going person and some times I think that would hinder me at first in the fitness field. I think I could get over it though. I kind of wondered what the path would be to start a fitness orientated business. I think one thing that might make that difficult, but not impossible is the fact that I have no athletic back ground. I never played team sports. It seems like most people in fitness field at the higher level have been involved in sports, at least at the high school level. (I could be wrong about this)
I figured the path would probably start with being a personally trainer. The trick here would be to develop a reputation of being one of the best around. The problem I have with this is I really don’t think a certification is good enough to be a personal trainer. One of the things I have learned from this board and MH fitness forum is there are a lot of PT out there that have the certifications but still don’t know what there doing. I certainly would not want to be one of those guys. The only way to get good at is through experience. Unfortunately because the certification is not good enough a person like myself is liable to make mistakes early on with clients which would give me a bad reputation. I guess learning from my mistakes early on and resilience through those bad times would eventually lead to mistakes. Does any this make sense or totally wrong?
My guess is that you wouldn't necessarily need to be a PT to be successful in this business. If I have my facts straight, you could get your CSCS certification without training clients and focus on the business aspect.
Your location is listed as 'Louisville, Ky'. I've spent one day of my life there, which was enough to recognise that there are enough, ummmmm, out of shape folks in that neck of the woods to keep a gym owner busy for several lifetimes
Originally posted by Jean-Paul: Sounds like you and Vin need to talk!
You also mentions fishing and hunting. If you are really good at it, and don't mind living without all the creature comforts that a financial guy has (with some disposable income) you could probably be really happy doing it. Money is not the final gauge of how successful you are. If you are doing something you love you are leagues ahead of most of the working stiffs in the world.
I have thought about having a career in fishing or hunting, but I'm not that great at either one yet. I just picked these up a couple of years ago. That would be awesome, I could fish in the spring and summer and hunt in the fall and winter. As you mentioned I would really have to be skilled in these things to even have a shot which I'm not, at least not yet.
As far money goes, I really don't do that good right now. The company I work for has been having a difficult time, at least that is what they tell us, so raises for the last 3 years have sucked. They blamed it on 911 one year and the stock market the next year. This past year they really didn't have a good excuse, I think they knew the major legal problems they are having now, were around the corner. They will have these legal problems as an excuse this year.
Originally posted by russ: My guess is that you wouldn't necessarily need to be a PT to be successful in this business. If I have my facts straight, you could get your CSCS certification without training clients and focus on the business aspect.
Your location is listed as 'Louisville, Ky'. I've spent one day of my life there, which was enough to recognise that there are enough, ummmmm, out of shape folks in that neck of the woods to keep a gym owner busy for several lifetimes
That statement is very accurate. The smoking rate in this city is one of the highest in the country. Guess what other rate is one of the highest in the country?
Cancer, that's right it shouldn't be a surprise. The politicians around here actually try to blame it on pollution. They don't want to piss in the tobacco industry’s Wheaties.
Originally posted by Outdoorboy: Have you looked into Fish & Game Management. This area is booming in states that recognize it as a tourist draw. Arkansas has a very strong Fish & Game Commission and I'm sure you could find one that could use someone with Finance and Management exerience that also has a love for the things they promote.
Just an idea from someone still looking for that professional bliss.
I have looked into these things somewhat, it seems like here in Kentucky they want people with law enforcement back grounds.
I'm really don't want to have anything to do with finance side in less it was finances of my own business. I fell like a finance job in this industry would put were I don't want to be, behind a desk.
http://www.nsca-cc.org/[/quote]That is interesting. From what I gather it would cost roughly $700 to buy study materials and take the test.
I wonder what the study time is, 6 months 3 months? I know it depends on the individual and knowledge they may already possess, just wondering what the maximum amount of time would be needed? I skimmed through the study guide it really didn't give an estimate.
Originally posted by Jean-Paul: Sounds like you and Vin need to talk!
Definitely!
I'm in, basically, the exact same boat you are - 29, single, living in NYC and working in midtown as an accountant for an investment bank. My major in college was (ultimately) accounting, simply because I had no clue what else to do and it seemed reasonable.
I'll spare you my endless theories on my life, my generation, and the corporate philosophy, and leave it at this:
I don't enjoy what I do, and am looking to do something else, most likely in the fitness field.
I am actively pursuing two different ideas: one is to open up my own gym (with my cousin). He and I are putting away money on a monthly basis, in the hopes of getting this thing up in running in around two years (although, frankly, after hearing some rough figures from our very own JP, I was FLOORED by how much $$$ it took to start even a modest gym). The other idea is Physical Therapy. I am volunteering every Saturday at the hospital for joint disease in their sports therapy office. If I chose this it would be a long, financially difficult road for me, and I am definitely wary.
The bottom line is: right now I am staying where I am, and plan on being here for another 1.5 years. I am confused as HELL by my life situation, but am trying my hardest to unravel it by actively pursuing different things. (Also, godwilling, I'll be a CSCS come this August (I passed one part of the exam this past Feb., and have to retake the practical portion (which seems nearly impossible to study for!!) next month))
PS - a bit of a side note: if you really love fishing you should, even if just for fun, move to Alaska for a bit. I spent a summer in a teensy village called King Salmon (only accessible by boat or plane), and I drove a small bus for a hotel (I don't like fishing). But basically everyone up there lives and breathes fishing. I went out once and caught a 26 pound king salmon (w/no fishing license, shhh!), and, frankly, the magic of it was kind of lost on me (probably some of it got drained as I watched my friend bash the fish over its head with a beer bottle). There is a HUGE industry for fishing guides - the money is great (TIPS) and the scenery couldn't get any more beautiful.
quote:Originally posted by Jean-Paul: Sounds like you and Vin need to talk!
Definitely!
I'm in, basically, the exact same boat you are - 29, single, living in NYC and working in midtown as an accountant for an investment bank. My major in college was (ultimately) accounting, simply because I had no clue what else to do and it seemed reasonable.
I'll spare you my endless theories on my life, my generation, and the corporate philosophy, and leave it at this:
I don't enjoy what I do, and am looking to do something else, most likely in the fitness field.
I am actively pursuing two different ideas: one is to open up my own gym (with my cousin). He and I are putting away money on a monthly basis, in the hopes of getting this thing up in running in around two years (although, frankly, after hearing some rough figures from our very own JP, I was FLOORED by how much $$$ it took to start even a modest gym). The other idea is Physical Therapy. I am volunteering every Saturday at the hospital for joint disease in their sports therapy office. If I chose this it would be a long, financially difficult road for me, and I am definitely wary.
The bottom line is: right now I am staying where I am, and plan on being here for another 1.5 years. I am confused as HELL by my life situation, but am trying my hardest to unravel it by actively pursuing different things. (Also, godwilling, I'll be a CSCS come this August (I passed one part of the exam this past Feb., and have to retake the practical portion (which seems nearly impossible to study for!!) next month))
PS - a bit of a side note: if you really love fishing you should, even if just for fun, move to Alaska for a bit. I spent a summer in a teensy village called King Salmon (only accessible by boat or plane), and I drove a small bus for a hotel (I don't like fishing). But basically everyone up there lives and breathes fishing. I went out once and caught a 26 pound king salmon (w/no fishing license, shhh!), and, frankly, the magic of it was kind of lost on me (probably some of it got drained as I watched my friend bash the fish over its head with a beer bottle). There is a HUGE industry for fishing guides - the money is great (TIPS) and the scenery couldn't get any more beautiful. [/quote]Vin
About how long did you spend studying for the CSCS? I’m trying to figure out when I should plan on taking the exam.
Also, what are the intial costs of starting a GYM? I know this maybe different given the area but ball park figures would give me a good idea of how far away I am from doing it.
What has your experience volunteering at the hospital like? Aside from the money what are the pros and cons you have discovered?
I have thought about Alaska. My aunt works for Government and says that they have programs that basically pay people to move to Alaska, they supposely will even pay for you to acquire a need skill. Maybe I can get Government to pay for me to open a Gym in Alaska were there is need. The only problem I have found is that perfer the hot to cold weather. If I was going to fish for a living I would want it to be in the competitive arena. I know I’m picky, just don’t want to make another mis step.
I really need to find a temporary job were I can make enough money to save. I make just enough to get by right now. I have 4 years experience in operations investment accounting. Unfortnately here Louisville area, the company I work for is pretty much the only game in town that would have use for this kind of experience. Any ideas on what to do about this would be helpful?
(BTW) I took a career assessment online last night. I paid $20 bucks for it. It gave me top 20 careers that I would like. It ranked them from 1 to 20.
I about fell out of my chair when I read number 1. Number one is training animals for show or training circus animals. I don’t even have a pet. Number 2 is working in a National Park. Number 3 is conducting scientific research. Being invovled with Physical education is ranked 11th. Obivisouly I’m not going to let this determine my future. I wonder if Ringling Brothers is hiring.
Originally posted by Outdoorboy: Have you looked into Fish & Game Management. This area is booming in states that recognize it as a tourist draw. Arkansas has a very strong Fish & Game Commission and I'm sure you could find one that could use someone with Finance and Management exerience that also has a love for the things they promote.
Just an idea from someone still looking for that professional bliss.
I agree with Outdoorboy! Actually, there's a lot of overlap in your areas of interest. Check out the National Recreation and Park Association website. The field is broad enough to include both fitness and outdoor jobs. My master's degree is in Recreation and Resource Development but I got side-tracked out of the field (long story).
Anyway, if you are thinking of returning to school, why not at least take a look into programs like this.
Thanks for the link. I really never new what kind of degree one would need to work for the park service. I will defiantly look into. I have thought that it would be neat to work for the park service.
This job looks interesting. http://nrpa.jobcontrolcenter.com/job...0322&keywords=
Thanks to everyone for all of the ideas.
I really do appreciate your help.
Originally posted by gregl515: Become a litigator. The more unhappy you are, the more unhappy you can make your opponents.
I have been told by coworkers and family members that I would make a good Attorney, but I could never do this. I have issues with all of the frivolous lawsuits that clog our court system. I could never be apart of that mess.
Originally posted by gregl515: Better yet, become a judge. When you are unhappy, you can make the world unhappy!
This is a good thought. Every fivolous lawsuit that came to me would be thrown out. I would then charge the people filing the lawsuit with contempt and have them thrown in jail for 30 days for sabotaging the court system provided that a judge has the authority to do this.
In both PA and Federal Court both the Plaintiff and the lawyer who file a frivolous lawsuit can be forced to pay court costs and the other parties' legal fees and can be further sanctioned by the court.
This is a vast generalization, buty ou find less protection against frivolus law suits and more bankruptcy protection the farther west you go and in Louisiana, MS, TX and FL. Just a hunch, but historically one of the reasons for migration was to flee debt.
Thanks for the link. I really never new what kind of degree one would need to work for the park service. I will defiantly look into. I have thought that it would be neat to work for the park service.
This job looks interesting. http://nrpa.jobcontrolcenter.com/job...0322&keywords=
Thanks to everyone for all of the ideas.
I really do appreciate your help.
Yeah, that's the kind of stuff that I used to do but I wanted to emphasize that the field, as a whole, also includes fitness related stuff so you could possibly be involved in some of both. It could be something to explore while in school, if you decided to go that route.
Originally posted by gregl515: This is a vast generalization, buty ou find less protection against frivolus law suits and more bankruptcy protection the farther west you go and in Louisiana, MS, TX and FL. Just a hunch, but historically one of the reasons for migration was to flee debt.
I wonder if there is less need for frivolous lawsuit protection because of the space out west. People are further apart, harder to come up with reasons to sue each other. The exception here would be California.
Thanks for the link. I really never new what kind of degree one would need to work for the park service. I will defiantly look into. I have thought that it would be neat to work for the park service.
This job looks interesting. http://nrpa.jobcontrolcenter.com/job...0322&keywords=
Thanks to everyone for all of the ideas.
I really do appreciate your help.
Yeah, that's the kind of stuff that I used to do but I wanted to emphasize that the field, as a whole, also includes fitness related stuff so you could possibly be involved in some of both. It could be something to explore while in school, if you decided to go that route. [/quote]When you said the field as whole included fitness related stuff I originally assumed that you meant the job requirements would require you to be fit. After rereading your post's I thank that you might of meant something else. Is there another component to these types of jobs that I'm not seeing?
BTW I also found some entry level ranger jobs that did not seem to require any kind of law enforcement experience. The only problem is pay. It's kind of low. While I admit money isn't everything, I would like to make enough to be comfortable plus be able to save for retirement. I'm 27 now and I know that by the time I retire social security will either have to be phased out or drastically reduced. As a result of this I'm going to have to be responsible for my own retirement. You had mentioned that you worked in the area we have been discussing above, I'm making the right assumption about the low pay?
Recreation jobs are probably more plentiful in cities. Most cities (county? province?... depends on how your local government is organized) have departments that provide recreational services for its citizens. What I meant was that the field is broad enough that you could be involved in running any number of progams for a city that involve fitness you could specialize in a different area that would qualify you to manage an outdoor recreational type endeavor, such as a public park or a private hunting lodge. What I was saying was that, since you have an interest in getting a masters degree, consider looking into some of these programs. My thought was that, once you get further into it, you'll have a lot of opportunities to explore the kinds of jobs that are more in line with your interests.
I work for a university now and the Campus Recreation department (I work out at their gym) mostly hires people with Masters degrees in Recreation but their "business" is fitness in terms of providing recreational sports opportunities... and they provide trainers in the gym.
Other people with degrees in the same field work at our State Parks & Wildlife Dept. The point was simply that there are lots of options there.
Another example, a guy I see all the time at the gym is a professor of recreation here at the school I'm at. He was a tennis player for the Univ. of Houston but could see that he wasn't going to make it as a pro so he got his PhD and now he teaches in this field. There's a whole range of opportunity available to you.
Ok I see what you are saying. A degree in this area wouldn't necessarily lock me into a particular field. It would give me a range of options that I could explore. I defiantly need to do some more research. I need to look closer at the different degrees and the curriculum that relate to the recreational field. I'm also considering the CSCS. I can actually see myself doing both.
I would defiantly be interested in hearing more about your experience in this area. Some questions would be which degrees in the recreational area seem to be in the most demand?
What type of people have you seen be the most successful. I'm sure as I dig deeper I will have more questions.
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