Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Wilson.
Hi Kristen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
About 6 or 7 years ago I remember looking out my window as my kids and husband were playing outside and asking me to go somewhere on a Sunday, which probably means I could go. But I couldn’t. I was working. On my computer. For a job I worked really hard at but did not enjoy. I had always enjoyed the practice of yoga and dreamt about becoming a teacher and quitting my job. So, after a lot of heart-wrenching and quite honestly difficult conversations with my husband, I did just that. And I bought a convertible. I always wanted a convertible.
I went from making $90k plus bonuses to finding employment making $17 hour part-time, so I could take classes for my yoga certification. I made SIGNIFICANT changes in what I spent, how I spent, and I still have those changes still in place.
Now, I work for a non-profit during the day, I teach in the evenings and weekends, and I LOVE MY LIFE.
I wanted to show my kids, my partner that I could be of value – even if it meant taking huge steps back professionally.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, never. It shouldn’t be either. When I think about what people see versus what is the result of saving, sacrificing, I no longer feel like I need to explain. I just say that I am happier now than I have ever been. I say yes to more with friends. Yes, to more with my kids. I’m not perfect, I just made way so that my partner could have more room to shine – and he is! Sure, there’s resentment, jealousy, but with a healthy does of therapy from professionals AND the love of my small circle and like-minded people, I am truly trying to live the life I am meant to live.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I do recruitment for a non-profit that specializes in mental health, substance use, trauma solutions in the state of Ohio. That’s what I do during the day. Then, I teach yoga 3-4 days during the week. At a small studio. I also host special events for charity – my favorite one being an animal rescue.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to do more investing. My husband and I don’t want to work day jobs forever. However, I want to invest in companies who are female and or progressively focused. I don’t want to just plug money into areas where people – as a whole don’t benefit from long-term.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: kristen_wilson_yoga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kristenwilsonyoga
