I have a few areas of interest. I have always been interested in the Automotive industry, I am not very fond of the compensation structure of the standard dealership. It creates an atmosphere of predatory lending and sales, worked as an entry level technician/apprentice during high school. I really loved the working on cars, but never considered it a career choice. I was able to make more money fixing cars independently, and flipping (buying/fixing/selling) than some of the technicians I use to work with. I found myself enjoying it less when I was trying to make a living doing it, so it became a fun hobby that do on my own time and own schedule.
I also have my own Personal Training and Scuba Dive Instruction business on the side, Undertown Fitness and Recreation.I service clients looking to get into shape, and specific training that complements and adapts various water sports. I also train and certify new scuba divers, and have even given surf lessons to a few clients’ children (I wasn’t even offering that service, it was just requested by an existing client) I love doing this, make OK money, and don’t even consider it work. The only problem is the scheduling and location. Working in hospitality means working on an ever changing schedule, my clients want to see me on their free time which is the weekend… and I never get weekends off. Also my location, can’t service Scuba diving as effectively in Central Florida as I could near the coast. I want to stay independent in these industries and not work within companies for a few reasons. The majority of gyms put so much more effort into sales than they do in client retention, trainers are 100% Independent Contractors they, but only pay $12 to $15 dollars per session hour while earning no other form of compensation at all. I’d rather keep the full $40 per session hour, make my own schedule, and be able to reach out service anybody I want and not gym members only. The scuba industry is just a cluster#&$#, the shop owners cut their own throats when marketing, sales, and professional partnerships. Its a shame really these shop owners are the nicest people you will ever meet, but don’t know their value, and don’t have the ability to talk reasonable prices with their suppliers.
I have interest in all the above, but from my experience directly I would like to avoid the retail end. The compensation and work/life balance just doesn’t seem to be there. I believe education in both finance and international business could help me find a position with a builder, vendor, or certification agency. That would be my ideal situation, I am not limiting myself to any opportunities that appear to be a good career option.
As far as networking opportunities, the local Chamber of Commerce in Osceola County (near me) is a wasteland. I can meet my pick of landscapers looking for minimum wage workers (documentation not required), work today/paid today work, and gas station owners. Orange County is a much more promising opportunities, but they have people chase you out if you are not form Orange County. The trick to that is to come during huge events and get lost in the crowd. I never actually when looking for a job, but went there to pick up clients.
Toastmasters…I’ve never heard of them, what can you tell me about them?