Hey there!
I’ve been a lurker for a while here, and never felt moved to post until today. I think I just need some perspective.
I used to work part time for a boutique fitness studio. I’d come in after my 9-5 job to work the front desk, fold towels, etc. I’d taken the classes a few times, but because they weren’t free to employees I couldn’t afford a package. Furthermore, I figured I was there to earn money, not buy the product.
A few months went by and the owner and director of operations got a quick dinner with me between classes. They asked me about my fitness life, what I like, if I’m a member of any other studios and listed groups such as Barre, Cross Fit, the November Project, etc. I opened up about how fitness wasn’t a thing growing up, so it’s been hard for me to learn that kind of accountability as a full-fledged adult. I never did sports, my parents and siblings don’t work out - I’ve been learning from scratch. But, I explained that I’m a member of a box gym and go take care of business there.
The next day, I was asked to come in for a “chat.” The director of operations broke the news that I was being let go, and explained that I wasn’t doing enough to be involved in the fitness community. I didn’t fit the fitness culture they were looking for in employees. To me, it was clear that I wasn’t active enough.
To say I was hurt is an understatement. As someone who’s thin, but still insecure about my fitness, I was mortified. I then realized that them asking me about my workouts wasn’t out of genuine interest - it was fishing to see if I fit the bill. I felt stupid about opening up to them, and I was furious that they used my own words against me after confiding in them.
Today it hit me how much this affected my life. I was just invited to the November Project and was excited about going with a group. Then it hit me that they might be there - and all the insecurities came back. I’m almost scared to run into them while working out. And come to think of it, I haven’t been to the gym since being fired. Trying something and being told it wasn’t good enough just crushed me.
I don’t really know how to come back from this. Any perspective would be much appreciated.
Thank you!
I’ve been a lurker for a while here, and never felt moved to post until today. I think I just need some perspective.
I used to work part time for a boutique fitness studio. I’d come in after my 9-5 job to work the front desk, fold towels, etc. I’d taken the classes a few times, but because they weren’t free to employees I couldn’t afford a package. Furthermore, I figured I was there to earn money, not buy the product.
A few months went by and the owner and director of operations got a quick dinner with me between classes. They asked me about my fitness life, what I like, if I’m a member of any other studios and listed groups such as Barre, Cross Fit, the November Project, etc. I opened up about how fitness wasn’t a thing growing up, so it’s been hard for me to learn that kind of accountability as a full-fledged adult. I never did sports, my parents and siblings don’t work out - I’ve been learning from scratch. But, I explained that I’m a member of a box gym and go take care of business there.
The next day, I was asked to come in for a “chat.” The director of operations broke the news that I was being let go, and explained that I wasn’t doing enough to be involved in the fitness community. I didn’t fit the fitness culture they were looking for in employees. To me, it was clear that I wasn’t active enough.
To say I was hurt is an understatement. As someone who’s thin, but still insecure about my fitness, I was mortified. I then realized that them asking me about my workouts wasn’t out of genuine interest - it was fishing to see if I fit the bill. I felt stupid about opening up to them, and I was furious that they used my own words against me after confiding in them.
Today it hit me how much this affected my life. I was just invited to the November Project and was excited about going with a group. Then it hit me that they might be there - and all the insecurities came back. I’m almost scared to run into them while working out. And come to think of it, I haven’t been to the gym since being fired. Trying something and being told it wasn’t good enough just crushed me.
I don’t really know how to come back from this. Any perspective would be much appreciated.
Thank you!