I Lost My Job and Found My Way

Some of you may have seen the announcement, but only a few friends and family know exactly the latest speed bump my life has taken. And even though it's a cliche, in my case, when one door was closed another was definitely thrown wide open. 

So what many of you may not know, is I was laid off from my job at the local news station.  It was a "mass layoff" scenario, where many good people were affected. It's the nature of the business these days, and I'd been on the other side plenty of times. This time of course was very different and an abrupt and shocking end to my 7 years in TV Marketing. 

There were no hard feelings really, just mostly a slight panic over what would happen next. I had been working multiple part-time jobs in the running field because that's where my true passion lies. I had even created a local run group, RunEatTweetAZ, all in hopes that one day I could make the leap into the health and fitness industry. When I was laid off, I felt like I might have to start all over somewhere else, putting my career-dreams on hold. 

But there's a happy ending to this depressing story. I reached out to the connections I had made in the local running community, seeking out any opportunities available to salvage my goals. And one of those connections was Fleet Feet Sports Scottsdale. I thought, maybe I could just work there Part Time until I found something? 

Why Fleet Feet Scottsdale? There are a lot of great running stores in my area. But during my time working with Fleet Feet Scottsdale on various events, I have come to realize the atmosphere there is one I can really connect with. They strongly believe in just getting people moving, no matter how fast or how far, they just want to inspire the community to get active.  Now that's not to say that other stores don't do that, but I've found Fleet Feet Scottsdale does it with such warmth and with such enthusiasm that it's an environment I love being a part of every time I step in the store. 

Fast forward to my request to meet with the owner, Linda. We chatted and we realized how much I could offer Fleet Feet Scottsdale. And she offered me a full-time position as Marketing Manager! I could use the skills I've developed to help a store I loved, while DOING what I am most passionate about at the same time. 

Today was my first day on the job. I'm learning so much already, while getting extremely excited about the projects I will be working on.  I know this is where I'm supposed to be now, and I know it will lead to some amazing adventures ahead. 

Join me for a run at Fleet Feet Sports Scottsdale sometime soon, or just stop by to see what we're all about. Of course, you can follow all of what's ahead via their Facebook Page or Twitter and as always, I'll bring you updates on my journey as they come!