The Corporate Personal Trainer Blues

[aeliop]

For those that don't know me personally I was a long time UNIX System Engineer/Admin for a few large fortune 500 companies for most of my adult professional life. Truth be told I always hated the job and thinking I could do nothing else that was as financially rewarding, I literaly made myself a prisoner to my job. Only after working for a manager that was so overbearing did I finally come to my senses and quit.

I know with the economy this wasn't the best time to give up a steady gig but I really couldn't take another meeting, middle of the night page, or insult to my intelligence. I certainly could start another thread about working highly technical jobs as a bodybuilder or just somewhat fit guy and all the shit I have had to take from "pencil neck geeks" and I am sure many of you could chime in but I regress. Long story short I applied as a personal trainer at a corporate fitness facility. I came in and interviewed with the manager and I thought we hit it off fairly well.

I tried to emphasize that though I was a bodybuilder I wasn't a know it all, in fact I was looking forward to learning from him in all of the aspects of the business and dealing with all of the different types of people. He gave me a couple of case studies to complete and bring back the next day. The next day I returned with the case studies and he seemed happy with my answers. The district manager was there and he interviewed me as well. Once again I thought all was well. They asked me to come in on Monday (it was Friday) and walk the floor for a few hours as they wanted to see how I interacted with the members.

On Monday I walked the floor and really as the only guy in the gym (trainers included) that looked liked they lifted weights it was no problem having quite a few members walk up and talk to me. Once again I thought the excersize went even better then planned. The manager was going to be out for the rest of the week (this was Christmas week) he seemed happy when we parted and he even said "we are probably going to bring you on" and he will call me on Monday.

Monday came, no call, Tuesday no call, Thursday and Friday where holidays so I chalked it up to maybe Holiday week. Starting on Monday I started calling the guy and leaving messages and he would not take my call nor return my messages. All in all very unprofessional in my opinion. I have no problem not getting the job they are more then entitled and more qualified to make that decision. They are in the business so if they think that I wasn't going to work out they might be right I have no qualms with that. My problem is that I took my time to complete to case essays, drive down there 3 times, and even walk the floor for a few hours.

Does that entitle me to the job? ABSOLUTELY NOT but it should entitle me to a phone call or at the very least to take my call. A friend of mine who works for this corporation at a different location said that he spoke to the District Manager and he was concerned that my years "behind a desk" and my engineering background might make me a little stiff.

Stay tuned for part 2 of the story.

 

[gordo14]

i'm thinking.........

maybe overqualified. As you said you came from totaly different background job wise. And from there perspective you may not have stuck around for long??? Who knows. However i do think that you were at least entitled to a phone call stating thankyou for your time, however we have filled the position.

From your posts and interactions on the board i highly doubt you would be a stiff. LOL. Hey, maybe it was the jealousy factor?

Either way best of luck in your endeavors. I'm sure if the fitness industry is where you want to be...you can make it happen.

 

[YoungNJacked]

maybe overqualified. As you said you came from totaly different background job wise. And from there perspective you may not have stuck around for long??? Who knows. However i do think that you were at least entitled to a phone call stating thankyou for your time, however we have filled the position.

From your posts and interactions on the board i highly doubt you would be a stiff. LOL. Hey, maybe it was the jealousy factor?

Either way best of luck in your endeavors. I'm sure if the fitness industry is where you want to be...you can make it happen.

id have to agree with this statement. they probably wonder why you are applying for such a job when u were paid so well before.

if i was a manager and you came to work for me, i would be concerned with you taking the clientele private that so many trainers try to do. remember the manager gets paid when u sell training sessions. so if u take the clientele elsewhere, they dont get paid.

so in the end, they would much rather hire a kid they can dick around cuz he has no backup plan beside that job. however, if they fuck with ur pay and other issues, you are a lot more business savvy and can find a job much easier than their other applicants.

 

[1love]

Yes, this seems pretty unfair to have to put that much effort in for no reason and for them to make you believe that you were on board. Sorry to hear about this, but I have no doubt from your posts and experience that you give us here on PM that you will find the job you are looking for. Maybe it was a jealousy thing. Whose not intimidated by hunky greeks. I'll bet you will find a better position anyways. Good luck to ya!

 

[maldorf]

I used to get the exact same treatment when applying for teaching jobs. You know that by the time you get past all the hurdles and make it to an actual interview that your chances are good. Interview goes well etc. You expect at least a letter in the mail letting you know you were not chosen. It is just plain rude not to do so. I would say 8 out of 10 schools I dealt with did business this way. Is it really that hard to fire out a preformed letter and just fill in my name? They cant even do that. Pathetic. I did have the advantage a few times and got to turn down schools calling me back for a job when I already had one. That makes you feel good when that happens. Times like these though, I cant find a job anywhere.

 

[kscowboy]

To me the biggest thing is that wether or not you get the job, you deserve a phone call either way. I can see many views as why you hire a person or choose not to hire that person. But either way, you deserve a phone call.

 

[Lenny]

Tony, you would be a great asset to them and I always find unprofessional and disrespectful if they do not contact you after an interview giving you some insight. YES or NO is all they had to say, but they take the easy route out by avoiding it. So, I guess I will have to wait for part 2 to find out the rest of the story, but either way their loss!

 

[aeliop]

The Corporate Personal Trainer Blues Part II

At the end of last week I decided to give Brian Schwab a call. Brian is a big time powerlifter that owns a hardcore gym here in town.

Orlando Barbell

Some of the best powerlifters in the state train at this gym. I have known a lot of these guys since I first moved to Orlando back in 2001 though I haven't really seen them much the last few years. I hadn't talked since I last trained at his gym in late 2008. Needless to say he was very happy that I called. He is going to give me a really good rental rate to train people at his gym. I realize that this is income to him but I really think he was happy to have me in his gym. Like I said this is hardcore gym and though a mecca for powerlifters and it hasn't tapped it's full potential as of yet. I told him I would do my best to promote his gym as well and I know he appreciates it. I am really anxious for the challanges ahead I know it will be a lot of hard work and self promotion around town but I am up for the challenge.

 

[jalsmiley]

At the end of last week I decided to give Brian Schwab a call. Brian is a big time powerlifter that owns a hardcore gym here in town.

Orlando Barbell

Some of the best powerlifters in the state train at this gym. I have known a lot of these guys since I first moved to Orlando back in 2001 though I haven't really seen them much the last few years. I hadn't talked since I last trained at his gym in late 2008. Needless to say he was very happy that I called. He is going to give me a really good rental rate to train people at his gym. I realize that this is income to him but I really think he was happy to have me in his gym. Like I said this is hardcore gym and though a mecca for powerlifters and it hasn't tapped it's full potential as of yet. I told him I would do my best to promote his gym as well and I know he appreciates it. I am really anxious for the challanges ahead I know it will be a lot of hard work and self promotion around town but I am up for the challenge.

i do computer work for financial companies and DEFINITELY know what you mean by these pencil neck geeks treating you like you dont know anything and the jealously that they have for anyone in shape...ive wanted to pummel the shit out of many of the think they know it all dicks!!

 

[Thor]

Good to hear

At the end of last week I decided to give Brian Schwab a call. Brian is a big time powerlifter that owns a hardcore gym here in town.

Orlando Barbell

Some of the best powerlifters in the state train at this gym. I have known a lot of these guys since I first moved to Orlando back in 2001 though I haven't really seen them much the last few years. I hadn't talked since I last trained at his gym in late 2008. Needless to say he was very happy that I called. He is going to give me a really good rental rate to train people at his gym. I realize that this is income to him but I really think he was happy to have me in his gym. Like I said this is hardcore gym and though a mecca for powerlifters and it hasn't tapped it's full potential as of yet. I told him I would do my best to promote his gym as well and I know he appreciates it. I am really anxious for the challanges ahead I know it will be a lot of hard work and self promotion around town but I am up for the challenge.

sounds good, keep us posted..... People that don't even have the decency to call you back are not even worth working with anyway.

 

[Lenny]

At the end of last week I decided to give Brian Schwab a call. Brian is a big time powerlifter that owns a hardcore gym here in town.

Orlando Barbell

Some of the best powerlifters in the state train at this gym. I have known a lot of these guys since I first moved to Orlando back in 2001 though I haven't really seen them much the last few years. I hadn't talked since I last trained at his gym in late 2008. Needless to say he was very happy that I called. He is going to give me a really good rental rate to train people at his gym. I realize that this is income to him but I really think he was happy to have me in his gym. Like I said this is hardcore gym and though a mecca for powerlifters and it hasn't tapped it's full potential as of yet. I told him I would do my best to promote his gym as well and I know he appreciates it. I am really anxious for the challanges ahead I know it will be a lot of hard work and self promotion around town but I am up for the challenge.

Thats more like it, I like how part 2 sounds! Looks like a solid gym and a great opportunity! Good for you!

 

[tomt01]

At the end of last week I decided to give Brian Schwab a call. Brian is a big time powerlifter that owns a hardcore gym here in town.

I know how you feel about the NO response after interview. seems to be the norm nowadays. But i would bet that every business is bein bombarded with applicants as well.

I think that the gyn you chose is probably 10 times better than the corporate place. Once you get new members past the intimidation factor, they will find that most of the members are there to accomplish something. I think you couldnt have found a better place to promote and make money from. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Phidias]

I guess comes a time in life where you're not willing to sell your soul for money anymore... I really hope you'll be able to fulfil yourself in that new endeavor and won't regret your choice, Tony.

Good luck my friend!

 

[Nikopapp]

Corporate gyms are just so predictable.
They are always afraid of guys who have muscle, who do they think started gyms in the first place?
I work out at a very upper class gym and the trainers look like they have no clue what they are doing, yet all the wealthy people pay them so they can just say they worked out with their trainer that day.

Great news on the new gym, I checked out the website.

It looks like a great place to not only to train at, but be able to call your office!

 

[Iabadman]

Congads on the new opportunity ahead .....I am sure you are up for the challenge........and I feel about my job as you did about your old one .....I can realate to how bad it sucks everyday......your bravery has provided me with inspiration and I am trying to start to look for an exit plan myself.......thank you for real.......because reading your e-mail awhile back was the kick I needed........still waiting to hear from you.........much love bro

 

[hawkmoon]

Another UNIX admin bodybuilder? We are a rare breed Tony.

I've been in the field 15 years now, but still kind of like it. Here in Tokyo I work with a great bunch a people, make decent money, and look great in a tie
I'll keep doing this though for the foreseeable future - I am a geek at heart.

Good luck to you in your new path.

 

[geo1958]

Then and now

Congrats on your new job.

Back when I started in the computer engineering/software field coming out of college (30 years ago this month/can you say "hollerith card" ), rejection letters, as we unhappily called them, were standard practice. Of course, "letter" means just that - something mailed to your house. This was back in the day of typed resumes which we took to the printer to have it printed on bond paper.

Not too long ago, I was unemployed for a little over a year after being laid off. During my job search, the treatment you received (no calls, do not return calls, etc.) was the same thing I experienced. In fact, I found only ONE company which had a courteous treatment of job applicants through their job web site, where the status of an application was always updated. If the application was rejected, a separate email was sent to the applicant informing him of such. I applied at that company for three different jobs, in three different departments over a span of a year, which included interviews for each one. Rejected for the first two and finally hired for the last one. Same (excellent) treatment all three times (last time being the best ).

It's sad that there doesn't seem to be common courtesy these days, and employers know it's a buyer's market.

Good luck in your new job. Peace.

 

[michelin]

Good luck Tony, thats a big step and I admire you for it, Im sure you'll be a success

 

[thebrick]

Good luck Tony! Life is too short to be miserable with your job. That will affect everything in your life. Not good. Follow your gut. Sounds like you are. Things will land in a better place.

 

[knucklehed]

Congratulation Tony, you’re off and running. I remember when we first touched on this subject. You didn’t let on specifically what your new direction would be, but I suspected you’d pursue your passion.
I have a great deal of admiration for your courage and conviction. I believe that whatever happens, you will not regret it.
Also I would like to acknowledge Marilyn for standing behind you and supporting your decision. I am sure she is proud of you for following your heart.
God bless you both