REAL LIFE: Dad-of-two chooses family over career: “When I realised I could lose them it was a real wake up call”

“Take my advice, don’t let it get to that point.”

Father-of-two Cameron Kelly sacrificed his relationship with his children and wife to build his career, something so many of us can sadly relate to. He was on the brink of a life-changing decision when he decided to take back control. This is his story.

Living in Western Sydney and trying to make ends meet for myself and my family, often living paycheck to paycheck, I worked numerous jobs throughout the early years of my kids’ lives. From Domino’s to Fastway Couriers, and even a warehouse where I worked long hours (60hrs+ per week) – I was adapt to working in high-pressure management positions. However, the hours and pressure finally hit home when my home life was put at risk.

It may have taken me seven years to get here, but I have found flexibility in a job that allows me to spend quality time with my family and do the school run every day.

After becoming sick and tired of the mundane cycle we all fall accustom to and feeling the guilt of a strained relationship with my kids, I thought working for myself could be the way to go – but didn’t know how. I had owned franchises in the past with business partners across food and fitness which have always been passion projects of mine but was looking for the right opportunity.

The thought of providing for my family always kept me going, but when I realised I could lose them it was a real wake up call – take my advice, don’t let it get to that point. It’s a shame that it takes a monumental occurrence like that to create change, but I knew I needed to make a plan to become better financially, mentally, physically and have more time with my family.

After looking into the simple business model, impressive day to day running, support from a Sydney based head office and freedom to set my own hours, the one gym franchise stood out amongst the competition. I took over the Plus Fitness Parramatta Gym in 2016 and I haven’t looked back since.

Finding a business that runs itself with just one-person overseeing a few awesome team members gives me the flexibility to reconnect with my family – so much so I can now do the school run, and seven years ago I wouldn’t have thought that this is the situation I would be in.

Spending time with my kids and family is priceless and I count myself blessed to be here, but having a business where I can connect with my community and motivate a team has been the most fulfilling part of my career to date – feeling purpose driven not just for my members, but also set an example for my children that you can create the life that you want for yourself.

Seeing smiling faces at home and at work gives me the greatest joy.