“I’m still not sure what I want to be when I grow up”
Before I started this blog, I kept running into people who said this. I was one of those people; still am, in fact. And that was my main reason for creating The Quarterlife Quest. I wanted to create a space where other quarterlife questers could get inspiration, motivation, ideas and support along the way.
One of the things I really wanted to do was feature other people that are currently on quarterlife quests. I know that I’m super cool and totally entertaining, but it’s incredibly self-centred of me to think that all of you lovely people are keen to hear about my drama repeatedly (as super cool and totally entertaining as it may be). So, here’s what I’m thinking – once a month, I’d like to feature one of my awesome readers and their quarterlife quest. Spread the love, so to speak. This month’s feature is my lovely sister-in-law, Kaylee.
Kaylee is one of those people that was on the receiving end of my drunken know-it-all lectures – but thankfully when she took my advice (just quit your job!), things started to change for the better (and I cannot tell you how relieved I am of this!!). Kaylee is 33 and quit her job as an Assistant Advisor at a major bank in January of 2009. She was noticeably unhappy and her emotional and physical health was suffering because of this unhappiness.
Now, Kaylee is working towards becoming the most successful and knowledgeable personal trainer in the Comox Valley (on Vancouver Island) through her business Outer Strength, Inner Peace. She works regularly works with 7-10 clients, is helping to coordinate Active Comox Valley’s second annual “Move for Health Day”, has launched the new Comox Valley Health & Fitness forum and is working towards getting her yoga instructor training. She does all of this happily and on her own schedule.
I asked Kaylee a few questions about her quarterlife quest and here’s what she had to say:
Tell me about your quarterlife quest:
My Quarterlife Quest probably started January 19, 2009. After spending 10 years with a company, working my way up to a well paying, full benefit job, I quit. I was in a position that I didn’t like (anymore), I didn’t like where it was going, and my health was starting to suffer. The next 9 months were hell as I sat and waited for things to come to me… but during that time, some very important things happened. I learned money didn’t make me happy. I learned that I didn’t have to be a “master” at something before I could start doing it. I learned that what I did doesn’t define me.
What has been the hardest part about making changes in your life?
Definitely the hardest part was DOING… it was easy enough to say I was going to do something… until it came time to actually DO it.
What has been the easiest part?
I have to admit I don’t think anything has really been easy… I know that at this point, I look back and wonder “why didn’t I do this sooner?” but at the time, it’s the scariest and hardest thing I’ve had to do! If it were easy, it wouldn’t have taken me a year to make things happen!
What has surprised you the most?
Things WILL happen! Everything happens for a reason, and if you believe, everything will fall into place!
What resources have you used to help you in your quarterlife quest?
My husband. Though there were some times it was difficult to even go to him, he really was my support throughout the change. He kept me grounded, encouraged me, and supported me. He would pick me up and dust me off when I didn’t have the strength to do it myself. I also read lots, but, really, “A New Earth” became my bible. Because so much of success is mental, that book screamed to me.
Where do you see yourself in a year?
I hope to be working about 25-30 hours a week with clients as well as going into schools, working with teens in the weight room. Getting more involved in the community and becoming a front-runner in local fitness.
To contact Kaylee, visit her website, Outer Strength, Inner Peace. Kaylee offers personal training in her own private studio, or in your own home. She’ll also do online distance assistance. Check out her website for her latest packages and specials.
Are you in the middle of your own quarterlife quest? If so, I want to hear from you! I’d love to feature you on this blog, so drop me a line!