I was laid off from my IT job in December. I am seriously considering becoming a certified personal trainer. I was officially diagnosed with ADHD in August of '07 but have developed some decent counter measures against my condition. Has anyone experience with this field? It would save me the absolute boredom of cube life which really exacerbates my condition. This will be a mid life career change (I'm 48).

Yes, I am thinking along these lines maybe not a Certified Personal Trainer but probably something in the trades. However, friends & anyone I talk to about this idea thinks I am nuts and I should just spend a few grand to hire a job coach to determine exactly why I can't find a job after 2 months of looking.

But the alternative is take the first job I can in my current field (accounting) and have to take Adderall / Focalin plus large doses of anti depressants which I am currently taking (Prozac -- 100MG a day) & Xanax just to function normally in one of these cube jobs for 8-12 hours a day and think clearly.

But honestly in theory a career change may seem good especially if you are in the wrong career with something like ADHD. In practice it is near impossible given the job market in the US today and what you must do in order to get a job. Even $8.00 an hour jobs posted on Craigslist want years of experience, resumes, references & multiple interviews. Changing careers, self employment is a good idea in practice but nearly impossible if you are not the freshed face 22 year old recent grad.

Changing careers, self employment is a good idea in practice but nearly impossible if you are not the freshed face 22 year old recent grad.


I have no doubt this is your experience but it isn't mine - I changed professions in my 40's - actually I do not see it as a profession change but a profession addition because I can still do my first profession which is nursing.


I am seriously considering becoming a certified personal trainer

Why a personal trainer - is escaping cubical life the only reason



Has anyone experience with this field? It would save me the absolute boredom of cube life which really exacerbates my condition.

If you do not find any one here maybe google up professional trainers associations to see if you can find groups or publications dedicated to these professionals - it is a good idea to make sure you have firm grasp of this profession. Also learning if there is a demand for people in this field in your area will help you make a good decision - I say this because many other professions may be able to help you escape the cubical prison but be in more of a demand. No sense going to school to end up with a profession that has tighter competition than IT has.

Meadd-

I have done some research and the indicators are that the personal training field is going to continue to have high demand. I still am researching the nuts and bolts of the career field but the certification process is roughly six months self paced but pretty intense.

Something "clicks" in my personality when in a gym setting. People are always asking questions about working, routines, nutrition, etc. I am not worried about the age thing. Since the population is aging and living long yet in better health I may be perfectly positioned to take advantage of that market. I will be getting some experience at the local Y and this should help. From there I plan to relocate to wherever to take advantage of the best opportunity to work at a large commercial gym, then develop my business from there.

Oh well I wouldn't worry about the age thing either and it does sound as if you have researched it - Personally I couldn't spend eight hours in a cubical either - all of my jobs must include walking and talking - other wise I am going to suck at it. . .. because sitting down and shutting up err just doesn't happen for me no matter how many orange pills I swallow - I wish you the best. :)