I definitely did things out of order. I had children, got married, and then I finally found the career I wanted to have. While pregnant with my middle child I started substitute teaching. This ignited the spark of passion that lead to my choice to become an educator. I started online classes in English since that was the subject I wanted to teach. Being a substitute first allowed me to experiment with the different ages and subjects I would want to teach. I was able to talk with other teachers and see what would be more in demand and how they liked their life as a teacher. I was incredibly excited about my journey.

When my husband joined the Army I had to leave my job as a substitute teacher after working there for three years. My road to become a teacher I felt was derailed. It took a lot of searching but I finally found a new job opportunity. Teaching English as a second language online. As an English as a Second Language Teacher I have a unique perspective on teaching and while there are many similarities with traditional teaching there are quite a few differences as well. It is fun, rewarding, and you are touching another life, I also get to work from the comfort of my own home. I also have a great work-life balance. Since I only work 3-5 hours a day it leaves me plenty of time to spend with my children. It also includes ridiculously early hours, struggles and a language barrier. I work for a company based out of China that teaches young children English through immersion.

It is really amazing what you can do through technology today. I have regular students every week and a lesson plan I must follow. It is so amazing to be able to see the difference in cultures. Nothing feels better than when at the end of a lesson a child has learned something because of you. The hours are hard sometimes. I wake up at four every morning, which in Beijing is four in the afternoon. I've never had a job as fulfilling as this, and I have had a lot of jobs. It took a long time to find my calling as a teacher.

You are impacting the future of many children. If you can make a difference in the life of one child then you have done an incredible thing. I have never in my life felt more fulfilled and like I am where I belong than when I am doing this job. I lead a busy lifestyle and this job manages to fit in perfectly. My middle child has therapy twice a week so finding a full time job was nearly impossible. I was incredibly grateful to find this opportunity and I have never been happier with my decision. I still plan to become a traditional teacher one day when my children are older and don't require quite as much time but in the meantime, this is a fantastic way to bring in an income, fulfill my passion for teaching, and spend time with my family. Society would have you think that the road to a career is always a straight shot leaving those who are unable to go the traditional route frustrated and dejected. I wanted to share my alternative path in the hopes of inspiring others who may have gone out of order with their life.