Mar 20 2011
Ch-ch-ch-changes
The only constant in life is change, right? Well, here’s the latest:
Nearly a year ago Michael left his job of 10 years at Apple Computer. Although this was surprising and not a completely happy event, it set into motion forced changes that have made life even more fulfilling. Michael decided to pursue a career in teaching that has always been a lingering idea for him. Knowing that would mean a significant change in income, I stepped up my responsibilities at WeAreTeachers. We enjoyed a fantastic summer as a family with him off and my work flexible enough to take on the road. What a gift. My new responsibilities at WeAreTeachers turned out to be so incredibly fun, professionally satisfying and led me to meet/work with even more fantastic people I would have never known otherwise. Gift. Michael was able to work this school year at an incredible school, the University of Texas Elementary School where he has found a happiness/career fulfillment that he didn’t think existed. Gift. Fast forward to the past month. WeAreTeachers was nominated and then won a Statesman Social Media Award. Wow. That was really cool to say the least. It was incredible to be included with so many inspiring groups/people and to be honored for all the work our team has accomplished. My face hurt at the end of the awards night from smiling so much. Gift. Right before the awards, WeAreTeachers was sold to MDR (a Dun and Bradstreet company). Another super cool event as I have seen this company from the creation of its name to now. With this sell, I decided to move on feeling that I had just helped create something that was ready for the next phase and so was I. With Michael’s turn to education, I was inspired to also go back into the classroom. So here I am. Taking classes to tidy up my teaching certification, taking Spanish classes to work towards bilingual certification, substitute teaching, and teaching after school classes. Life is very different inside a classroom vs working from my laptop at home to say the least. It’s a challenge that I look forward to each day. I finish the day feeling very exhausted, but also feeling like something I did today may have made a difference. It’s that “making a difference” thing that gives me the push to do it again the next day. I feel a little crazy starting a new career at (nearly) 40, but it also feels right. Now, if only there were still some teaching jobs out there… details 
Being able to count your gifts is a gift itself. I am so proud of you and Michael for your meeting life’s challenges with growth and opportunity. I truly believe teaching is the absolute best job EVER! So glad you will enjoy it too. Keep protesting and maybe there will be budget for hiring next year : )
Thanks, Shaunda! Know that you inspired me to be able to do this. It would have seemed so overwhelming to undertake, but your encouragement helped me so much!!!!
While I will miss running into you at jellies, I couldn’t be more happy for you! At my age (almost 30!) I see a lot of my friends realizing the huge difference between loving a job and loving the lifestyle a job provides. Sometimes it’s hard to admit that yes, you like the pay, but job sucks your soul. I’m so happy Michael made a change to something that truly fulfills him. I have no doubt that you will quickly become many students’ favorite teacher. Congrats Felicia!!
That is awesome Felicia. What a blessed family. It’s hard for me to be grateful sometimes so it does my heart good to see you recognizing all the gifts in your life. Your summer is going to rock!!
Your post really inspired me. Also about to turn 40 and having some rough life experiences in the last three years have really made me question a lot about my priorities and passions. Thanks for sharing, really meant a lot to me.
Thanks so much, Cathy! I will miss Jellies for sure. Still might be able to make some of them this semester and over the summer
Carle, thanks. Being grateful is very difficult sometimes when life is rough, but it’s precisely those times that seem to bring out the gifts life has to offer. Caroline, I’m glad to share. Let me know if you ever want to talk more (even offline) 
Felicia,
It’s great to follow your dreams, and I’m impressed by your husband and you. Glad the social media award meant so much to you and your organization. Hearing that kind of thing really makes it all worth it.
Good for you! So glad to see you both following your hearts.
Hugs,
Allison
beautiful
Awesomeness Felicia…..great to hear the news. I had been wondering what the social media award was for so now I’ve finally been filled in. Good luck with your new studies and venture and I hope we all get to hang out again very soon.
Darryl
I’m so lucky to have you in my life. Much love & happiness for the Adams family. <3 u, vm
Felicia,
I’m so glad things are moving in the right direction and you’re able to find so many gifts! Miss seeing you around.
Wow, thanks, y’all! It really does help to know that we have this kind of support when we are making such a big change. As you know this is not the *best* time to find teaching jobs, but we are still plugging away. Faith
I’m SO proud of you! YOU were such an important part of our ‘little family business’ — Helping us grow from ‘childhood’ to this stage! I’m so proud of who you are — a business professional, a great mom, a super online expert, and now an amazing teacher. Of course, daughter and best friend — my favorite of your broad skills!