I am not your “stereotypical” Asian-American: I don’t play video games, I don’t watch anime, I sucked in Math class, and I like NASCAR.
I’m also a Strength and Conditioning Specialist.
I don’t know if there are any statistics on it, but it seems like there’s a disproportionally low number of Asian-American strength coaches in the high school, collegiate, and professional levels. (Some of which has been documented in sports overall.) That is in no way a commentary on hiring practices. That is, instead, a commentary on our traditions, values, and upbringings.
It’s different. Uncommon. Out of the ordinary. I mean – really – who does that? Well, there are few, cultural reasons I think Asian-Americans don’t choose this career route.
The Pressure to (Make Money) Be Successful
The beginnings of most strength and conditioning careers is a hodgepodge of unpaid internships, volunteering, and part-time work with duties that can range from maintenance to general upkeep. I’ve had my share of each; you certainly don’t do this for the money.
And with many Asian-Americans leaning towards medicine, engineering, finance, and other high-paying, high-skill professions, it’s not as promising to graduate from a university and remain unpaid. (Hey, if I wanted money, I would still be in finance.)
Add that pressure to make money with parental/family advice and a fitness career may be a losing battle.
Nothing to Compare It To
It’s fair to say strength and conditioning is a niche field (and it’s popularity is quite new). Because of that, a lot of first-generation Asian parents don’t see it as a true career. “My parents still think this is just a phase,” one fellow Asian-American trainer said. Mine, as well as others, don’t “get it,” and wonder why we can’t be just as happy and successful as a doctor or businessperson.
If you, for example, hear someone in your family say strength and conditioning is a “stupid” career choice, is that true? Well, no — just read the latest Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. (That stuff is dense!) Their opinion is irrational — and what makes a person irrational?
Fear.
Could that be a reason why Asian parents/families dissuade those kinds of career choices? Fear of the unknown?
Some career choices are mapped out: University → Big exam → Grad school → Big exam → Job → Money → Smile. Compare that to: University → Internship → Internship in a different state → Assistant Position ← Move → Another Assistant Position ↓ Huh? ♠ Spades? → ARGH!
What gets measured gets managed, and if you can’t measure it – let alone know what it is – you can’t control it. And that’s scary.
Now, I’m not saying this can only be experienced by Asians — anyone can come from a family or culture that doesn’t support their career decisions. (Male stripper, anyone?) I just hope for them – and you – that being tested like that only makes you more committed and resolved to follow your dreams and do what you want.
I’ve talked to several elite strength and conditioning coaches to get a better feel for the industry, and these are the two most common traits they mentioned to be successful: determination and a true love for the field. You have to want to be there. And I think that’s true of any industry. That kind of passion and drive will help you overcome doubts or negativity from you, your family, and even your culture.
If not, you can always work at Google or something.
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I like the social/cultural commentary! And um, is that you in the green shirt? You ARE ripped! (I still remember 2009-you)
Thank you for the kind words! I try. 🙂 (I miss those days.)
Del linked this on facebook, so I clicked it. (Go Del for posting articles I like!)
And so, I really like this article. Really. It speaks to me, especially now as I’m going to travel for an undetermined amount of time and wanting to make a career change when I return that is not the route our parents would like.
Good article.
Thank you for the kind words, and yes — Del is awesome. That sounds phenomenal, and it’s great you’re doing something you’re truly passionate about. Best of luck, Ting.
P.S. I like your email address.
Haha, thanks. I just stalked you on FB and I’m actually doing a similar route to the one you did prior – heading to TPE to see my fam, then going to NZ and maybe Oz. Any tips for the Australasia leg?
(Please feel free to reply via email and not approve this on your comment board! Perhaps a bit strange on your personal site.)
D’aw guys! (I miss some things). Go get ’em, Ting!
Dude, as a fellow Asian your commentary is 100% true. Any career that is does not = prestige and financial security is always “stupid” to Asian parents. I really think it has part to do with the way eastern thinking works – it’s community focused.
I was always told i was “selfish” for not wanting to become a doctor or a lawyer. The eastern family often chooses to eschew individual needs for the family. It’s something I really don’t agree with.
Well said, Andrew. What strategies do you use to overcome that? Honestly, I just try to find like-minded individuals; not necessarily in fitness, but people who are unapolgetically dedicated to their goal.