I’d been teaching for seven years. Seven long, unfulfilling years, burned out and so ready to be anywhere else.

My teaching career began at age 45. It was an experiment, you see. I earned my certification through the New Jersey Alternate Route program. I found a district willing to take a chance on me, going right into the classroom and attending part-time classes.

At the same time, my older teen was in trouble and our family was sliding into chaos. It was beyond challenging, and we took big steps for him and for us.

Seven years later, my child was back on track, but I was miserable. I wasn’t meant to be a classroom teacher, and will leave it at that.

Let’s move on to the life-changing words.

I was the go-to person for a couple of colleagues, who had become my friends. Over lunch, one of them was confiding in me about family issues. (I’d been a go-to person for a good part of my life.)

The other teacher quietly said, “Fern, don't miss your calling.”

There it was.

Something I’d sensed for a while. Here was someone validating so clearly what I’d been tiptoeing around.

Within four months I was enrolled in a life coaching program (while teaching full-time), knowing that one day I’d work directly with parents of teenagers.

We teach what we've learned, right? What we're still learning and practicing, day after day.

Don’t miss your calling.

I didn’t.

I consider myself one of the fortunate ones to have discovered my mission and my legacy.

P.S. If things could be better for you and your family, you're invited to a conversation with me to explore the possibilities. I’ve been where you are and learned the way forward. What you do now matters. Do something now.

Contact me to schedule your complimentary consultation at fern@fernweis.com or join my private FB group HERE.

Fern Weis is a certified life coach who learned that caring and good intentions are not enough in parenting. In fact, they are often the problem! Fern supports parents of teens and young adults who are going through difficult situations, including addiction recovery. She helps parents release guilt, end enabling and confidently prepare their children to thrive through life's challenges. Her articles are featured in Thrive Global, Medium, Motherly, The Teen Mentor, and Bergen County Moms.

Learn more about coaching and classes at www.fernweis.com. And then download your free guide, "Five Powerful Steps to Get Your Teen to Talk." For information on Family Recovery programs, visit www.familyrecoverypartners.com.