Ilene Winters works with client, N.J.

For a few years, Ilene Winters loved the ferry ride to and from the financial district in Manhattan where she held various lucrative, high-commodities broker positions. But she grew to hate the work and felt that she was missing something in her life. On weekends she would spend time doing the things she loved--running, riding her bicycle and working out.

The blues would begin on Sunday evenings. Come Monday, she would drag herself to work in a complete funk. She finally decided to solve the problem by dusting off her certification as a fitness trainer and trying to drum up some business. It was hard going at first, but Winters stuck with it and began acquiring clients, who pay $50-$60 per session. She says the happiness she feels every day is a constant reminder that she made the right decision.

Ilene Winters
Monmouth Beach, NJ
Personal fitness trainer, $50-60 per session
ilenewinters@yahoo.com