Just recently, I accepted a new job so far outside of my long-term sales rep world it's laughable. This was intentional, of course, but it did come up rather unexpectedly and required me to start right away. I'm officially called a Member Services Associate at The Red-Fit Centre here in Winnipeg; the Reh-Fit is Canada's first Certified Medical Fitness Facility with close to 5,000 members and a massive roster of program offerings (many are for Cardiac Rehab patients) , professional services (physio, athletic therapy, massage, fitness training, dietetics, psychological counselling) My job is essentially that of a concierge. I had been contemplating transitioning out of my sales agency life and into something less stressful and more sustainable (to take me into my retirement years ) but really had no idea what that was going to be- until last week It's a confluence of everything I like, am interested in , and am good at (health, fitness, nutrition, and talking to people ) - and I feel very, very lucky to have found this.

I had been a member at The Reh -Fit a few years ago, so was more than familiar with the facility (plus it's right in my neighbourhood) ,and when the position was posted , I procrastinated (typically overthinking it) until applying on the last day possible. I was offered the position the next day. I threw caution to the wind and just accepted it - and to say I'm happy and excited is a major understatement. The idea is to keep a few of my best and most favourite home decor and clothing/textile lines to rep for the time being, and in a few years, drop them altogether. I work about 30 hours a week, in a union, and have such a fantastic benefit package I can hardly believe my luck.

It's very freeing to be able to accept a job NOT based on how much money you'll make, and NOT because of it's status or level of importance. I'm old enough to have 'been there, done that" and have nothing to prove to myself anymore . I don't care what I do there - I'm just thrilled to be in a health-care and fitness environment staffed by the highest level of professionals I've ever met. I do admit to having my eye on other opportunities within the organization, but that's just my ambitious side rearing it's head. For now, it's great to have a steady and stable income.

Ok, so what's the irony you ask ? Our dress code.....is.... ALL BLACK ! . Ha! Business casual, but no sneakers and no athletic gear. We are the face of the organization - with 5 people manning the front desk at all times, and management wants us looking somewhat professional, and not like rogue fitness instructors. I've had 4 shifts so far - and admit it's been a challenge to find all black pieces to wear that are comfortable , flattering, yet have an element of professionalism and not look fashion -focused. I did notice right away that makeup needs to be toned WAY down, which is new to me, and jewellery is kept to very small personal pieces. Coloured nails look too out of place, as does any eye makeup other than subtle liner and mascara. Subtle lipstick too. So - my need for any typical fashion -forward sales rep clothing has officially screeched to a halt ( I have enough for the little time I'll have to spend on this role) but my need for more black work clothes has skyrocketed. We can wear Birkenstocks, which is fantastic, so I am off to pick up another pair of black patent ones this weekend. My worlds , fashion and work, have collided and changed, and it's kind of a blessed relief. Thanks for reading