Have a fulfilling career – and still be there for the kids

Going from having a full-time, high pressure job, to becoming a ‘full-time’ Mum was a decision both Stella and her husband had agreed on since she first became pregnant 10 years ago.

The 39-year-old, from Farnham in Surrey, previously worked for an advertising agency as an office manager. Stella took time out of the workplace following the birth of her two girls (now aged 8 and 10-years-old). “But once they had reached school-age, I felt a need to do something for myself again.”

A long-time lover of fitness – Stella’s a regular at the gym, working out at least five times a week, even when raising her young children – a career in that field held inevitable appeal.

“I already knew people working in the fitness industry, and I admired their passion as well as how much they seemed to love what they do” recalls Stella, “I also wanted more direction in my life and a job that would offer flexibility with regards to hours – as I would still be the primary carer for my children.”

From speaking to friends who worked in the fitness sector, Stella directly went to YMCAfit for her training, and successfully gained her Advanced Diploma in Personal Training qualification. She has since also acquired qualifications in Strike, Keiser Cycle, Core Stability and First Aid.

“Even though I love fitness, it’s been a big journey for me,” reflects Stella, “not only in terms of the challenges of the training, but also in gaining the confidence to do it in the first place and go on to service clients.”

Now working as a freelance Personal Trainer with her clients in a gym environment and at their homes, teaching Spin and Outdoor Circuits, Stella says “it has become fun being ‘me’, and not just ‘mum’! Life’s hectic and I’ve had to become much more organised, juggling family duties, work and my own fitness training. But I wouldn’t change a bit of it.”

As for her new career, “working in fitness is hard work and frustrating at times,” but Stella believes having a positive attitude, making it fun and servicing people’s individual needs “make it one of the most worthwhile professions I can think of”.
Stella’s current aims are to increase her PT client base, teach more classes and increase her income. Looking ahead, she plans to incorporate Life Coaching into her repertoire .

Stella explains: “I think there are many people, women especially, who have or are still undergoing similar life experiences to myself. From having a career change or even foregoing their careers so can they can be a full-time Mum – basically trying to keep all the ‘plates spinning at the same time’. I’ve experienced the pros and cons, and gone through feelings of lack of self esteem and doubt to being confident and proud of my achievements to date.

“From personal experience I understand how exercise plays a crucial part in keeping a positive mental attitude,” Stella continues, “as well as a physical balance through all that life throws at us. After all exercise is a great natural stress buster. I want to be able to use my knowledge and skills to help others exercise in a way that will benefit and enrich their lives.”