RESHAPE YOUR MINDSET TOWARDS A CAREER
Marc Anthony once said, “If you do what you love, you will never work a day in your life.”
If you could live the most perfect life, what would your job be? Would you follow your passions? Would you become an Actor or Actress? Would you become the President of the United States? Would you become a Doctor? Would you start your own company? Think back to when you were first entering the job world with endless opportunities. What if we told you, it's not too late. You can use your skills to do something that you love.
YOUR CAREER IS NOT A LINEAR PATH - HEATHER THOMPSON
I am a Marketing Major at the University of Cincinnati, and all throughout my life, I have seen my career as a linear path. It was not until Gym Skills began franchising that I would have ever considered this as an option for myself. In my mind, I would go to college, get a degree, and start my career in Corporate America. This is what I have seen practically everyone in my life do, why would I not just follow along the same.
I have always been extremely passionate about Cheer and Gymnastics. Ever since I was a little girl, I was happiest when I was in the gym. This is why I began coaching as soon as I could! When I moved down to Cincinnati for school, I knew that I would want to continue coaching as a part-time job. Cheer and Gymnastics are a part of me that I never want to let go of. I never realized the amazing people and opportunities Gym Skils would have to offer me.
About a year and a half of me working at the company, I was reached out by Lisa, who I consider to be an amazing mentor to me, asking if I would like a job in Marketing for the company. I talked with Lisa, and Kenny about what this role would look like, and the fact that I was able to combine my two passions of Marketing and Gymnastics, made me feel like I was just offered my dream job.
Ever since that moment, I began to look at my career from a different perspective. I thought to myself, “Why can’t I turn my passions into a career?” and this is when the straight-lined focus of my career shifted. I began thinking about the possibility of expanding and opening my own Gym Skills location. While it is scary to think of a change in your career, I think it is important to do what you love in your life. It is never too late to change what you want to do!
EXPLORE YOUR PASSION - SOPHIE GEPHART
I started out as a business major at the University of Cincinnati and Gym Skills opened my eyes to how much I love being a teacher and leader. I am now an Elementary Education major at an online college called Western Governors University. This college allows me to get my degree and spend as much time as I can at the gym. I have always enjoyed teaching and spending time with kids, but I can thank Gym Skills for shining the light on my future career path.
Sports have been a huge part of my life, I spent my childhood playing softball and basketball year-round. My mom, who was a competitive gymnast, taught me how to tumble at a young age and strengthened my appreciation for gymnastics. Coaching and gymnastics have become such a big part of who I am, I love to learn and teach every day at Gym Skills. I have always said, “Gym Skills is my home away from home.” It is a unique place built with unconditional love, support, and kindness that encourages people to grow and be themselves.
After about 2 years of working at Gym Skills, Lisa offered me the position as Assistant Program Director and Lead Trainer. I was thrilled to be offered a job that would allow me to grow in my leadership and teaching skills. I experience amazing opportunities to teach children, adults, and future staff members at Gym Skills.
Since I have started this role, my idea of my career path has broadened. I have dreams of teaching students in a classroom and now bigger dreams of opening my own Gym Skills to have an impact on kids, families, and staff members like me to encourage them to leap for their dreams.
USE YOUR SKILLS TOWARDS SOMETHING YOU LOVE
Heather and Sophie both were able to use their skills and strengths towards something they loved, we have seen this in a lot of Gym Skills employees. There are endless opportunities for growth when you are doing something you are passionate about. Your career does not need to be something you dread. It should be something that challenges you, and that you look forward to each and every day.