Images of Sally O’Malley from the SNL skit just popped into my head when I typed that headline: IIIIIIIIIII’m FIFTY! I can kick and stretch…..I’M FIFTY! That’s right, call it a midlife crisis or whatever you want. I decided to completely switch gears and sought out something that spoke to my active and creative soul that had been literally withering away behind a computer for 14 years of real estate.
Once I started RVing without the hubbs several years ago, I became more and more intrigued with the industry. Was there a side hustle or career for me in the RV world? I scoured the Internet. Started following every RV forum and podcast I could find: Van Campers, GoRVing, Girl Camper, Truck Campers, Tent Campers, Hiking Trails, RV Family Travel Atlas, RV Entrepreneur…..the list goes on and on. I went to RV shows in the winter and summer and picked the brains of all of the sales and factory reps. I Googled every form of RV job search I could think of. However, I kept coming up with Workamper type jobs that were not always really industry related. I wanted to learn and know all things about RVing and share it with the masses!
My life coach and business strategist challenged me to take some massive action. So, I eventually ended up private messaging one of those famous podcasters I mentioned earlier with the question:
If you could do any job in the RV industry, other than what you do now, what would it be?
I immediately got a response–woo hoo!! Some tangible ideas to sink my teeth into! I am a firm believer that answers, ideas, and opportunities are attracted to you once the request is put out to the universe with some belief behind it. And, that is exactly what happened.
Within days, a husband/wife team on Reddit posted that they had recently finished the certification course at the National RV Training Academy in Athens, TX and were now Certified Level Two RV Inspectors. WHAT? This is a thing? My fingers were flying on the keyboard. Five days later, I packed my little red Chevy Equinox (boasting 173,000 real estate miles on it) with the recommended tools, food, my laptop, and my excitement. And the rest is history!!
I can’t remember the last time I felt this much pride and accomplishment. Needless to say, I was one of only a few women in my class, for starters. The NRVIA certification courses challenged my brain to do and learn something that is a huge stretch for me–and I LOVED it! The doors that continue to fling open are blowing my mind every day. I am smiling ear to ear. I am approaching the double nickels birthday this summer and reinventing myself yet again. I feel empowered!
What would you do if you could choose ANY other hobby or career at this place in your life? I hope you will share below and get your creative juices flowing!
