Why I Decided to Get a Part-Time Job in Retail
For those of you who follow me in social media and/or know me, you recognize that my plate is FULL, and I am always bouncing from one thing to the next. Between working full time, seeing clients in private practice, teaching/personal training, being a Master Trainer, and having a life - I am always on the go. So if that is the case, WHY in the world would I consider getting ANOTHER part-time job? Well, I did, at an uh-mazing athleisure store called Lululemon. And here’s why…
I had defined my WHY. I believe we all go through seasons of life, some being busier seasons than others. Feeling stuck towards the end of 2018, I had lost sight of my B-HAG (as we say at lulu our Big Hairy Audacious Goal, I call it my PUSH goal or what I do when I ‘CRAFFL’ or create a vision for a crazy ridiculous amazing fun-filled life). I recognized that much of what I want to do in this stage of life (aka adulting) costs MONEY. Since going through Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University in 2016, I realized I really need to knock out these student loans. I decided around November that I needed to get serious about this goal NOW if I wanted to make my other goals happen. I got really clear on this and thought what else can I do? I knew this extra cash flow would help make a dent towards that goal and Christmas shopping (I joined as holiday/seasonal help). So while finances were a huge motivator, they definitely were not the only driver towards this decision.
I wanted to meet new people. I moved to Indy about 2 years ago, so still feel relatively new here. I have been blessed to meet some amazing new people, however I wanted to continue to expand my network to create more meaningful relationships. I have an amazing group of besties already, most of them scattered around the country. I still feel that I have room to grow in creating a community where I am. I knew these people would have similar interests of fitness, and have found that we have so much more than that in common. We like to have fun, so work doesn’t really feel like work. I know people say that all the time, but I really do mean it! It excites me to hear what my co-workers are currently striving towards, and I love helping guests find clothes that make them feel confident and empowered for their workouts or just life (because let’s be real once you buy a pair of our pants you will never look at other pants the same).
I was craving a new challenge. All of my work experience has pretty much been in a gym or food setting. I knew working in retail would require me to step outside my comfort zone by working in a setting that was totally foreign. I enjoy learning new things, even if that requires me to not have a freaking idea what I am doing for awhile. Every shift I am required to put on my thinking cap to problem solve a new situation or learn a new way of doing something. When we think we are an expert in an area, there is no room for growth. I knew whatever I learned through this type of work would for sure transfer into other jobs and areas of my life.
I was already spending money here, why not get a discount? Ok what I am about to say is going to sound seriously shop-a-holic…BUT I will admit I was a little nervous that I would want to buy every single thing and not even end up making money. I did however shift my thinking and remembered to keep my WHY at the front, which makes it easy to say no. If anything, it has kept me more on track with my budget. Each time I walk in the store, I am reminded of my goals (see above) for working here, which makes me happy and keeps me grounded.
“I got really clear on this and thought what else can I do?”
If you can relate with any of the above, consider finding part-time work in an area you love! I truly enjoy the team and environment where I work and the positive vibes I take with me when I leave the store. If you decide to get a side hustle, I definitely think you should have more motivators than just money. Why? We only have so many hours in the day, so if it doesn’t challenge you to grow, be better, or give you joy - then what is the point of the paycheck? Just my opinion! Let me know your thoughts below, and I would LOVE to hear about your ‘dream side hustle’ or maybe your first job in the past!