Decision Day 2010

Today's the day. I have my second interview with arguably the finest fitness establishment in the country while my current gym has indicated they want me to work as a trainer with them. My manager at the restaurant I work at currently has given me the full day off even though I only asked to get off early. I am astonished by the integrity that she has, knowing that I have been interviewing for what will hopefully turn out to be my dream career. She could have mandated I work or suffer reprecussions, but she didn't. She has indicated within the past week that she has opportunities for upward mobility in this company, and she even went on after I mentioned I was interviewing to tell me that if for some reason this new career doesn't work out, they will welcome me back into a growing career here. That says a lot about a leader, and even though it is a fast/casual dining restaurant chain, it will be hard to leave such a dedicated, understanding, realistic manager.

Anyway, I have a lot on my mind today, and I have been doing continual research. I have decided that whatever the pros and cons are, if I am offered a position here, I should seriously take it. Even the learning I will receive will be worth it, and surely, growing a fitness business from the ground up will be challenging but it will have its rewards. I have been comparing both places in my head as far as quality, opportunity, compensation, etc, and also what would be best for my clients. I have come to the conclusion that given the opportunity to be Scottie Pippen on Jordan's Bulls is a greater opportunity than even being Lebron James on the Knicks. Do you get my meaning? If given the opportunity to surround myself with industry leading education, team members, and coaching, it is better to work with the best than to be an all-star on more of a mediocre team. I don't in any way mean to put down my current gym, because they too are a growing, nationally recognized high-quality fitness center, and they have many pluses in the immediate future that I fear my other prospect does not. But the analogy works in this situation. Notice that I haven't mentioned any names here because I don't wish to burn bridges, and I still don't know what the final result will be. I just wanted to share my thoughts.

What important decisions are you facing in your life? Surely the ones worth weighing thoroughly are the ones that have the most life-changing potential so choose wisely. I'm not saying disobey your emotion. But use emotion combined with fact combined with what's best for you and your family. In my situation, the immediate payoff vs. the long-term payoff is what I'm weighing. I have come to the conclusion that what is best for me educationally will ultimately benefit my clients the most. Please share a tough decision you've made recently and what drove you to make the choice you did. How did it work out? Your feedback will help me and others. Have a great day everyone, and thanks for reading!