Why have one career when you can have two

So what do you do on Fridays?

I started my 'side hustle' in 2006, way before it was trendy to call it a 'side hustle' and having two careers became 'a thing'.  Although to be perfectly honest, back in those days my 'side hustle' consisted of one boot camp on a Thursday night and writing the odd training programme.  For quite a few years, it remained like that and then in 2011 I decided to do a 'walk to run' course and it kind of exploded after that.  I started taking on more fitness clients and I eventually dropped down to 4 days in my 'day job' as a PA so I could do more fitness work on Fridays.

I was torn as to what to do as I felt under pressure to choose one career over the other.  I really enjoyed being a PA.  After starting out my office life as a receptionist and working my way up the 'admin ladder' I quickly realised that I wasn't cut out to be a manager or anything like that but being a PA was the next best thing.  I get to work closely with amazing people at the top of their careers and I've learnt so much from them over the years.

Being passionate about exercise on a personal level, I didn't want to rely on my fitness career to pay the bills as I was fearful I would lose that passion.  I firmly believe that my own passion for exercise is what motivates other people.  In addition to Fridays, I also have my Saturday morning boot camps, 'pop up' boot camps some week nights and I'm always available for 'pep talks' via email whenever people need me.  The best thing is that I have such brilliant clients who are willing to give anything a go and we have such fun and laughter together.

Ping!  The light bulb moment.  Why on earth couldn't I split the time between my two passions and have not one but two fulfilling careers?  For a start, despite first appearances, they're very similar in nature.  They both involve supporting and motivating people and being able to listen and communicate.  They also give me the opportunity to show both sides of my personality.  For 4 days I'm very low-key and professional (alright, that's slightly debatable) and the rest of the time I go a little bit crazy!!  I feel like one of those wind-up toys, the key slowly tightens throughout the week and then I'm let loose.  I also get to ditch the posh dresses and wear these bad boys - come on, what's wrong with them?  I wore them the other day and my clients declared "jeez, they shouldn't be allowed at this time of the morning"!

Talking about both sides of my personality, the irony is that if I was asked to stand up at work and do a presentation in my PA role then I'd absolutely fall apart but yet I've presented healthy eating courses to 40+ people in my fitness role, done training sessions for a University ladies football team (and that was no mean feat keeping them in order) and stand and yell at my fitness clients every week.  Figure that one out!  Perhaps I have a split personality?!

The great thing is, there are more and more people these days realising that you don't have to be pigeon-holed and just do one thing.  I know some amazingly talented people who have also started a 'side hustle' and are loving the challenge of balancing their two careers.

I believe that my fitness role has made me more confident in my PA role and,  in turn, my PA role has made me think outside the box for my fitness role and try new business ideas.  The people that I meet in my two roles are what inspire me to keep pushing myself in life.  I wouldn't change either of them and I feel incredibly lucky that I've found the perfect balance.

Anyone else out there got a 'side hustle' and another career?  Let me know how you deal with the challenges.

#joyfuljune