The walls of my cubicle kinda depress me. So does this fragile industry – doing my job well does not necessarily mean success in times like these. In fact, it almost never does. But that’s okay. Because I have a plan.
The most freeing thing ever is realizing you have choices. I can choose to stay in a gray-walled cube for the rest of my life, because the job is predictable and the pay, somewhat reliable. Because I’m scared to act. OR! Or I can figure out what makes me happy and then do that, working out the money bit when I get there. Which is what I’ve decided to do. Not right away, but eventually.
I didn’t even have to finish the question, “What makes me happy?” before I knew the answer. Yoga makes me happy. I feel my strongest, most beautiful and most capable when I’m pushing past the imaginary boundaries I’d set for my mind and my body, discovering new abilities and most of all, peace. A few weeks ago, I read on Facebook that my old boss (from way back Boston days),had been accepted to a yoga teaching program and I was thrilled forher. After discovering hot yoga back in 2002, I went on and on to herabout it and looky, here she is several years later, becoming ateacher. Serious warm fuzzies. After e-high-fiving her, I realized – that’s what I want. So, I’m going to teach. Not right away, like I said, but eventually. I have some goals I’d like to reach, pre-requisites to achieve, some money to save, yadda, yadda and then, it’s game on.
Sometimes I lie awake in bed at night with little anticipation butterflies in my stomach – the way I used to feel at the start of a new semester. So much possibility! The Dork Lord is sided firmly on Team Yoga Teacher, which couldn’t make me happier. It’s nice to have someone in your camp, who wants your ultimate happiness more than anything – especially when that person shares your concerns about finances and you know, having a roof overhead.
I’ve always known people who love what they do. Or rather, made the choices and sacrifices to do what they love. My sister quit the rat race, went back to school and became an elephant trainer. She now works at the San Diego Zoo saving elephants. My brother ditched a job in software to go to school nights and weekends so he could be a cop. He loves to tase, what can I say? I’m a little disappointed with myself that it took a big forehead slap to realize I found my passion a long time ago and didn’t make a go of it, but mostly, I’m just pleased that I found it at all.
That’s awesome. I wish I lived where you are. I’d be one of the first ones to make sure to sign up for your class. : ) There’s nothing better then to be taught by someone that truly loves what they do.
Best of luck.
That article makes me hate Texas even more!
But yay to your sister!
Awesome. Figuring out what you want to be when you grow up is always a good feeling.
I just figured out recently myself.
I kinda like the feeling.
Right? It’s such a sad, horrible story. But they’re doing well, the elephants, and in good hands
Good for you! So what’s your next step? Got to keep up the momentum.
I seriously considered doing exactly that, but then I realized that the certification programs were expensive and that I’m much more interested in yoga for the exercise and don’t actually buy into the whole chanting meditating thing… I figured I shouldn’t start a career I’d have to fake my way into. I decided to go back to school instead. It’s great that you’ve got a long term goal. For me, just knowing I had a direction helped my outlook on life immensely. Congrats on your decision and here’s to a lifetime of comfy clothes and firm buns!
Yay for following dreams! When it comes to following my big dreams I’ve basically stuck the little toe in and haven’t been able to jump all the way in yet. I do love inspiring stories like this though. Best wishes to you on your journey!
Yay for following dreams! When it comes to following my big dreams I’ve basically stuck the little toe in and haven’t been able to jump all the way in yet. I do love inspiring stories like this though. Best wishes to you on your journey!
Ohmigosh CONGRATS! What a cool decision… if I ever get out of debt, I want to get certified as a Pilates instructor. I’ll probably be 50 by then, but so what?
So happy for your future yogi-ness!
Yay for following dreams! When it comes to following my big dreams I’ve basically stuck the little toe in and haven’t been able to jump all the way in yet. I do love inspiring stories like this though. Best wishes to you on your journey!
Fish! I’m so excited for you! I hope this isn’t stepping over a line, but I wanted to point you to a blog I adore – I can’t think of a good way to describe it, but it’s definitely yoga-minded and touches a lot on trying to do what you love as your life’s work. No pressure at all to even click on the link, but I thought I’d send it just in case you find some useful tidbits there. It’s one of the few blogs I read religiously, other than yours. http://www.fluentself.com/blog/
Wishing you so many good things from this decision! Can’t wait to hear all about it.
Just curious – what industry are you in?
Yay, that’s fantastic! You’re going to be awesome. I’ve read your blog for years, and go to a yoga studio I adore, and I can totally see you there.
Taking the leap can be intimidating, but is worth it (I say, having just quit a fancy job to set off an a much more undefined career path).
Good luck!
Architecture/Engineering/Construction. Bad economy = no private sector building.
I totally relate to this! I’m almost 31 and just signed up for the LSAT. It will be weird to start all over and become a student again, but if you feel the calling, I think it’s a soothing moment. Happy for you and good luck!
Definitely nice to have someone in your camp! Best of luck
You MUST MUST MUST follow your passion. I don’t work in my field of passion, because I don’t want the negative of mixing business and pleasure. But, I make huge sacrifices in my life (financial and relationship wise) in order to pursue my passion of horses. I use a lot of yoga to stay in shape out of the saddle as well.
Best of Luck on this brave choice. Hats off to you today!
writing doesn’t do it for you? you tell a great story. i look forward to the yoga instructor training blog
Congratulations on your epiphany!!
High five! I love yoga, and hot yoga, just not the Bikram philosophy. Are you into competitive yoga? That concept has always seemed weird to me.
Ha! Competitive yoga? What a wacky concept! No, no. The only person I compete against is myself. I don’t always win, either.
Holllllllla!
Wow!! How exciting for you! Congrats!
I have to admit I’m somewhat envious of you right now. My “dream” isn’t so easily attainable, which causes much inner frustration and an ugly dose of disappointment. (No need for details. Trust me.)
I am thrilled for you though and I wish you the very best in this new endeavor.
I know you’ll make a wonderful teacher.
I had the same epiphany 2 years ago, complete with yoga teaching being my life’s calling as well. I was so resolute. So excited. I randomly mentioned this to an old college friend a few weeks later, and she was like “Holy crap! I just made the decision to be a yoga teacher too!” Here we are a 2 years later, and she is a full-time yoga instructor. Me? I’m still in the same cubicle I’ve been sitting in for 6 years. Still coming up with “logical” reasons why I shouldn’t take the risk. Lame.
So do it! Don’t wait too long or you might start coming up with reasons why not.
Yay you! I’m thrilled you have a plan. I think you’ll be a great yoga teacher; you’ll do yoga all day long and help people be serene and fit. And you’ll be serene and fit at the same time. Brava!
I hope you’ll keep writing! Ooh maybe there’s a yoga blog in your future.
“He loves to tase, what can I say?” hahaha.
Congrats on the realization! It is lovely to realize one’s passion. I think it’s awesome that DL is at your side, urging you on too.
Stumbled upon your blog – quite interesting!!
Question – and why did you move to Dallas after Boston and NYC?????
Ohh! This post was wonderful – I love hearing/reading about people who find what they like and then do it. You can make this work – best of luck. Mmmmm (that’s my little meditation for you!)
Congratulations on finding your passion! I’m looking to exit the cube farm too – my intention is to become a kick-ass web designer. Here are three things I’ve learned that might help you…
1. There is a tremendous amount of FREE information out there on the ‘internets’. I didn’t have a dime to spare when I started on this path, but a good Google search can uncover a lot of helpful stuff.
2. Devote just 30 minutes a day to your craft and you’ll be amazed at how far you’ll go in a short time.
3. For the first year – give it away. People are likely to forgive inexperience if they’re getting something for free. At the end of the year, you’ll have a boatload of experience and (if you exhibit any skill whatsoever) a bunch of satisfied people who will tell others how good you are at what you do.
Best of luck!
Wonderful, Congratulations! Understanding that I have options was last year’s great insight for me. I had for a long time trapped myself by feeling I had no choices – and it is just brilliant when you realise that, in fact, there are lots of possibilities in front of you. Really love the Yoga teaching goal! All the best for it!
I may be the odd one out on this one, but I’ve never wanted to have my passion be my job. I love and adore being around children, I baby-sat my way through college. However, I think if I had to work with kids as my job, I wouldn’t want to have any of my own. I chose my career because it is something that I found challenging, I’m good at it, I make good money, but at the end of the day, it’s a job. I go with the motto “I work to live not live to work.”
Good Lord I hate my job. I’m an accountant and I don’t know if it’s this particular place or the entire profession that I’m so tired of. I don’t know what it is that will make me desire to work, beside the desire to pay bills. Because right now I DREAD the work week. I am happy you had your epiphany and hoping I have one soon myself.
Good for you! Everyone deserves to love their job.
This is so inspiring! Good for you! That feeling of possibility is so amazing!
Like CaliGal I am a bit jealous. For different reasons though. I’m not happy in my job, I feel like I am wandering aimlessly through life. But I don’t know what I love, what makes me happy. At 31 maybe I should have that figured out? But you have challenged me to think about it. All I can come up with at the moment is that I love to read, but I don’t think anyone will pay me for that!
You go Girl.
So happy you are realizing your passion! We have a close friend who studied for three months in Acapulco to become a Bikram instructor. She recently quit her job and is now a full-time instructor and so happy.
On another note you should come visit your sister in SD I live near the zoo and my neighbor is in charge of the rhinos…We could have an SD happy hour!
Good for you. I’m very proud of you and happy for you. In Nov ’08 I left a job that I hated (which was secure as was the company I worked for) to work for a non-profit that had a shorter commute, less pay, 7hr days vs. 10-14hrs and better benefits. Not as secure but it put the “life” back into the phrase work/life balance. A year later I went to an info session about massage school to be trained as a therapist and that’s what I’m starting next month. I don’t know if it will be my next career but it’s something I’ve wanted to do and – dammit – I’m going to do it now since I don’t have a job I hate keeping me from doing something I WANT to do. I get the same butterflies in my stomach as well thinking about my first day of school in a few weeks, and I’m so excited. May you continue to have those butterfly feelings.
Good for you!
I’m currently training to teach yoga. I take a training program through YogaFit, which is essentially one weekend at a time, so you can go at a pace that might work better for you.
Good luck with whichever path you choose!
Love this! Good for you.
Heather-
For the last 4 years my morning work routine has begun with thisfish. I just wanted to say how much I have especially enjoyed the authenticity of blog over the last few weeks. Thanks.
Carrie,
You could try to become a book critic or even an editor. It takes time, but ultimately you are apid to read!
it’s nice to know you know what you love.
Hi Heather! I was evaluating my happiness in the job I’m in over the past couple of days and then, I read this blog. Wow. Thank you for the inspiration. I could not be more fired up to go for what I know would make me happy.
I wish us the best of luck and from here, let’s smell the sweetness of not having to work a day of our lives by doing something we really love for a living!
Alyssa,
Funny, I’ve thought I should be an editor! I have no idea what it would take but I should look into it.
I couldn’t be a book critic though, I would be afraid of hurting someone’s feelings! Yeah- I’m that person.
Thanks!
Way to go Heather! High five!
I am so freakin’ happy for you Fish! Way to go
I’m 47 and still don’t
know what I want to be when I grow up. You have inspired me though!
A good place to start is to understand that “hot” yoga is actually ‘hatha’ yoga, from the sanskrit word combining ha and tha, meaning sun and moon.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hatha_yoga
How about beginning by calling it what it is, instead of making up a meaningless term for something that has deep spiritual meaning? I don’t wish to either deride or discourage – in fact, I hope you succeed in following your dreams. Just don’t take what you learn at face value, and try to dig deep into the origins of yoga, and the meanings of the exercises and meditation techniques you learn. Yoga is a deeply enriching experience, and the way it’s taught in America is just a crass, commercialized version of an ancient art of living.
And a good place to start for YOU, Ro, is to step off your high horse. You don’t know what I know, or believe and if I happen to LIKE crass commercialization then deal with it.
Mmmm commercialization.
Also? In this case, it’s Bikram & Vinyasa. Not Hatha. When you realize you don’t know everything, you’ll probably be a lot more pleasant. But then again, there are no guarantees.
I’m so happy you’ve found your passion! Good luck in your adventure. And yoga is such an amazing passion.
I am so happy that you are taking the steps to make your professional life as fulfilling as your personal life has become! Good for you Heather!!!
Way to go Fish! First off, I want to say I’m a long time reader and I’m glad you are back to saying more of what is really on your mind. I knew you’d be back!
Second, congratulations on deciding what your life passion is and deciding to make a way for it to happen. Please don’t let that go to the wayside. Especially since yoga is something you can pursue while continuing the day job and paying off the big bills. I encourage all of you out there to try out different styles of yoga. It took me a few tries before I found a style, studio, and instructors I love. I love Iyengar yoga personally, it’s not usually as “chanty” but more about bettering yourself. Unfortunately I just moved to a fairly small town and don’t have an Iyengar studio at all, much less choices. One of my favorite instructors had a full time job and was an incredible yoga teacher at the same time. Go Fish!
I would totally take your yoga class!
I don’t usually comment…but I just wanted to let you know that your post inspired me. The walls of my cubicle depress me too…and there is no time like the present to try to make a change to my current situation. Thank you for sharing your dream with us, it’s inspired me to start looking for mine.
YAY!!!
Heather i decided to check out your blog for the first time in a long time and found this post! I actually took a yoga teacher certification class that ended just last week, though i still need to finish reading the Yoga Sutras, write a few papers and whatnot. Lemme know if you have any questions or anything.
BTW, Bo is kinda-sorta correct — in a sense, vinyasa and Bikram are both branches of Hatha yoga. But as far as “crass commercialization,” well, Bo, you know that Krishnamacharya took moves from British gymnastics when he invented vinyasa yoga in the 1930s and taught it to the Indian royal family? I actually like that yoga is something that continues to evolve and adapt. For some people yoga is a deeply spiritual practice, and for others it is just asana. Neither is correct — there is no one “right” way to practice…
Oh, and Bo, regarding the tone of your post, I say to you, Sutra 1:33. Maitri karuna mudita upekshanam sukha duhka punya apunya vishayanam bhavanatah chitta prasadanam.
That’s exactly how I feel about it, Derek. If you need yoga to be athletic and demanding, go to an athletic and demanding yoga class. If you want it to be deeply spiritual, make it that way. For me, not so much. You take from it what you put into it and that’s the beauty of yoga. This fanaticism for “pure” yoga is annoying and only serves to make the practice inaccessible.
yeah. exactly! and “crass commercialization”? what a joke. there are a very few superstar teachers who are getting rich off yoga … but 99.9% of them are sure as hell aren’t. they enjoy being part of a community and want to “spread the love…”
Posting wicked late, here, Heather. But as someone who has worked at several Holistic Health Centers and with a bunch of different practitioners and instructors, I wanted to offer up a smidge of practical advice, along the lines of some of what has been posted in the other..hm…58 comments:
If you enjoy doing marketing, or have a friend who owes you a metric crapton of favors, then you have a little more flexibility in what sort of organization you work for/with/at: somewhere you just pay rent and are responsible for all your own PR, for instance. Alternately, you can start buddying up to folks at your fav yoga places (keeping an eye out for those who don’t offer hot yoga, but are equipped to do so).
I’ve watched so many gung-ho, really good- but just starting out- teachers burn out because they went it alone (i.e. in a place where they were needed to do ALL the work themselves) when perhaps a better match would have been to work for an established center who helped with the business end of things, so that they could focus on becoming great teachers and establishing regular clients.
Just a little help, FWIW, since you have the time to plan and network early.