Career Change into something involving Fitness and Nutrition

[20yrsinBranson]

Originally Posted by tonym9428

I'm 33 and have been working for 7 years in the area of data science, statistics, and machine learning. For the past year, I've been contemplating a career change into something that I'm more passionate about, fitness and nutrition. While I enjoy statistics and advanced analytics, I'm kind of burned out with my current role and wondering what opportunities there were to work in the area of fitness or nutrition. I'm open to going back to school for something like physical therapy or a BS in nutrition.

Anyone with suggestions or have done something similar?

Where I live both disciplines are huge and growing exponentually. Not to mention onlone opportunities.

[MilksFavoriteCookie]

Originally Posted by Tencent

I would recommend this instead. I work with data scientists and I would highly dissuade you from quitting this industry it has great job security and flexibility - With the right employer of course. Maybe your employer is the problem and not the industry itself.

Take that passion for nutrition/fitness and just do data science for a health/wellness company. I had a similar idea to you but once I saw the career outlook and did a gut check on how difficult it is to change American culture I said nope.

There are certain Billy Blanks Chris Powell Julian Michaels types who can make it. And then there are the nutritionists that nobody can afford because their insurance doesn't truly cover it and/or they can't be bothered. Your customer base is small, wealthy and the industry is competitive. And you have to be extremely extroverted because it's word of mouth. The average person as a client just doesn't work - I've even tried to give FREE advice that was ultimately rejected. There will be a small group of high powered execs you have to appeal to.

Not trying to pour cold water on your plan but I did a LOT of research and just have observed that Americans in particular just don't give two sh** about their health and have a #YOLO mentality at worst and a #DIY mentality at best. A lot have sticker shock like I did after trying to go to acupuncture or TCM specialist and realizing that the medical insurance industry is 90% drug focused and has ZERO incentive to fund TRUE preventative medicine. So that's the other challenge you will be facing.

IF you choose to proceed despite all the hurdles god speed. You will truly be in uncharted waters.

If money wasn't an issue, no one would work in Big Data Accounting or Banking. It looks like at age 33 he wants to pursue his passion fully and not make compromises, but then the ball n chain called responsibilities.

**** I want want to be a video game developer, but a gig/ contract economy not my style....

[Tencent]

Originally Posted by MilksFavoriteCookie

**** I want want to be a video game developer, but a gig/ contract economy not my style....

Video game companies have horrendous management and zero work life balance. Even if you get full time you will be coding or doing graphics 100 hours a week develop bladder infections, abdominal cysts and all sorts of health problems from the stress, poor diet and being glued to your seat 12+ hours a day. Game developers have all sorts of spine issues, kidney problems etc. And it's 100% related to the job. When they quit the job (if they quit early enough) health goes completely back to normal. Amazing isn't it.