15/05/2026
Yesterday I was chatting to one of my neighbours about his new job. When I asked how he was finding it, he replied, “It’s a job.” I asked if he was enjoying it and again he said, “It’s a job.”
I then said that I really love my job, and he replied, “You don’t have a job. You play.”
And honestly, that really annoyed me.
I do have a job. I’m paid to teach. I teach people how to exercise safely, how to build healthier habits, how to fuel their bodies better, and how to push beyond the comfort zones that have held them back for years.
Being a PT and group fitness instructor is far more than “playing.” I have to stay physically fit myself, work around injuries, learn routines, keep up with constantly evolving health and fitness research, understand trends, motivate people when they’re struggling, and stand in front of a room full of people with energy and positivity — even on days when I don’t necessarily feel my best myself.
Yes, I’m lucky enough to enjoy what I do and have fun doing it. But enjoying your work doesn’t make it any less of a profession, and passion doesn’t cancel out skill, effort, knowledge, or hard work.
And to be clear, I don’t think everyone has to love their job. For some people, a good job is one that feels manageable, pays the bills, and leaves them with the energy and freedom to enjoy the rest of their life — and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that either.
But please don’t dismiss someone else’s profession just because they happen to enjoy doing it.
Gillian Adams@
