New Adventure

Who would want to be an essential worker during the pandemic if you didn’t have to?

No doubt, all of our lives were turned upside down in March of 2020. Every single family member was at home all day. Since schools closed, I had to take care of my 3 and 5 year old while my husband suddenly worked from home. Let me tell you, e-learning for a kindergartener (who can’t sit still) requires a mom’s full attention. I am lucky that I had the option of staying home, but I wanted to resume work once my kids were back in school full time. Covid messed that up and my job search came to a screeching halt.

The longer I was out of work, the more mental struggle I had about my future. I realized I wanted to always be available for my family (bus drop off, pick up, all after school activities, etc.) but what healthcare job would allow me to only work from 8:30am – 2:30pm and not a minute more? It was a deadend search. I was bummed I would essentially be throwing away my masters degree in occupational therapy and I felt my skills were slowly slipping away from me. Why work during Covid if you didn’t have to? But I miss my patients and leaving the house. But I also enjoyed tending to the family full time. These back-and-forth thoughts paralyzed me.

When I realized Covid was never going away, yet my kids were safely in school without having to quarantine or suddenly stay home, I decided enough was enough and now is the time to resume work. I spent an entire week and did a deep dive researching how to work from home as a therapist. After contacting lots of therapists who started their own businesses, I decided to merge my occupational therapy skills with my personal training certification.

After contacting the Illinois Occupational Therapy Board for legal advice, I had a website built (thanks to my amazing husband), forms and waivers created, physician scripts made, purchased some additional rehab equipment, got my fitness equipment officially inspected, and essentially built a business in 2 weeks. I’ve had my own personal training business in the past but this time I am able to use my occupational therapy skills to now include pain management education/treatment, massage, stretching, and offer wellness and nutrition advice as well. And the best part is, it’s in the comfort of my own home and I set my own hours.

I’m excited for this new adventure and I hope to be able to make a difference for as many women as possible!