u/AdAccurate7100

I'm a former yoga teacher (mainly Baptise style, with strong Ashtanga influence, as well as Yoga Nidra certified). I plan on obtaining NASM certification , as well as a Corrective Exercise Specialist certification. I am also a former nurse who retired early due to MS and osteoarthritis issues (my back is a mess). I do continue to sub yoga classes once in a while. I workout regularly and I'm fit, just not competitively fit. Anyway, I started a member service job at my local large fitness franchise club. (It’s conveniently distanced from my home and low stress). Gym is brand new. The club staff is majority male (I’m one of two females). There are currently no female personal trainers on staff. The GM & Asst. GM are aware of my background. They are also a lot younger as are the staff. (Although I appear younger I am actually late middle aged). I’ve asked the GM about training for role of fitness trainer at the club and he stated they usually only hire certified trainers; I am aware though that the parent company provides in club training for staff to become trainers, however they do have a non compete (I know, it’s ridiculous and usually unenforceable post separation of employment). There’s also a bump in pay and you set your own hours (per company guidelines). The GM was very dismissive when I inquired. I’m relatively newish to the company, but have already established a rapport with regulars, which management seems to appreciate. I’m a hard worker as well, whereas rest of staff (with a few exceptions) seems to loiter around staring at their phones or leaning looking bored. I’ve met the regional and district athletic trainers as they’ve come in to see GM and tour the club. I did not get a chance to speak with them though, as the club got busy and I attended to members. How can I go about attempting to get a foot in the door industry wise? Should I still try at this company? I’ve been a fitness enthusiast for 27 years, and am passionate about it, nutrition for wellness, and helping others like myself, as it’s how I managed my MS for 25 years. Any constructive advise is appreciated.

Hello. Just found this community and am grateful, as I’ve no one else with MS to bond with or vent to about life. I’ve been with my partner almost seven years. We’ve cohabitated for the past year. I’ve had flareups and started ocrevus this past year. He seems a totally different person this past year-much more distant and non communicative. I honestly feel I am a placeholder. We failed at couples counseling (he clammed up). He won’t acknowledge any problems in our relationship, just always says “everything is good”. Don’t get me wrong- he’s a relatively good person otherwise (to family, friends, his coworkers and our dog/furbaby). He’s been supportive as in he takes me to my infusions and picks up prescriptions for me. He also helps out a bit when I’m utterly exhausted (laundry/yard/quick clean ups). But I shoulder the rest-emotional labor mostly). But I’m not a part of his life outside our home and our dog. I feel at times he’s ashamed of me (we are not connected on social media), and I noticed I cannot tag him in any posts. There is an age gap of 10+ years (I’m older), although physically we appear closer in age (I’m told I look the younger one 😂). But I know he’s frustrated when my fatigue kicks in and I need a rest day. (I finally started working regularly this past month after six months of unemployment). He does provide me transportation, as we share his vehicle. He just doesn’t put effort into our dating life since we’ve lived together. And when he does give in to my nagging for a date night (5 times in past year), he seems to act as a polite stranger. I’ve told him I love him and want him happy and that I can save up and leave, as he’s the only reason I’ve not relocated out of state and he gets upset and says he doesn’t want me to leave. I don’t know what else to do at this point..I’ve offered an open relationship as I feel increasingly lonely and like I’m missing out on life. We only day domestic stuff (running errands, shopping, occasional hikes or walks with our dog around the block). What would you do? Any KIND or constructive advice is appreciated by those who have experienced this in their own MS journey. (Oh, and he’s avoidant attached, possibly MH issues also)..he’s also only initiated sex and affection of his own accord less than a handful of times in the past year.