From gold mines to dietetics, Lauri Egan, RD, CPT, has had a lot of interesting jobs prior to becoming a dietitian. Now, she is the sounding board, rock, and backbone of the Nutrition Entrepreneurs Dietetic Practice Group and she keeps the organization running strong. Read on to learn about Lauri’s career path. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of nutrition and dietetics? I have always been an avid athlete and health nut. But the summer after my first year in college I worked on a maintenance crew at a gold mine in Nevada to pay for school. I met some of the most interesting people, but also saw some of the worst health behaviors I have every seen in my life, eating habits being the main culprit. That summer helped me completely change the trajectory of my life. I switched schools, changed my degree over to nutrition, walked on to the Div I Track Team as a pole vaulter, became a certified yoga instructor and never looked back. My career has definitely evolved over time, which is so great because it always fits into the dream life I want to be living at that moment.

Your Job Title? Executive Administrator for non-profit groups

Company you are with now? Nutrition Entrepreneurs DPG and Nevada Dietetic Association, both associated with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Describe a typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you? Wake up. Stretch, meditate, read before the kids wake up. Then the rest of the morning is Mom time. During afternoon naps, I slam out as much work as possible and exercise before dinner when my husband takes over with the kids. After dinner and bedtime, my fingers are on fire on the computer. I get as much done as possible and try to get to bed before 11pm.

How did you get your current job in dietetics? I taught a pilates class where I met another dietitian who was involved with the Nevada Dietetic Association. She recommended I look into the position as Admin as I was expecting my first child which gave me the opportunity to work from home.

What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I look back on all the various and random things I have done in my life and it definitely shows me that I was born adaptable, hard working, with a desire to excel and a deep sense of grit. But along the way, I have had plenty to learn: patience, networking, attention to detail, the importance of creating and executing a plan and the ability to live in the moment (still learning this).

What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Realize that your dream of success or happiness is different than everyone else’s. Learn to be happy for other’s achieving their vision of success and keep working at yours.

If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Fitness clothes or Dark Chocolate.

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.