Career Pivot


My Journey of Resilience and Career Reinvention
Life dealt me a tough hand in 2018. After 15 years as a high school teacher and department chair at a prestigious high school in Northern California, the school went up in flames during a wildfire caused by high winds, and divorce papers landed on my doorstep that very same spring. The Tubbs wildfire, the most devastating firestorm in history that hit California, brought about the destruction that forever altered the landscape of my professional life. Following the devastation, I was laid off after the school year was over, a consequence of many families having lost their homes in the wildfire. After 28 years of married life, I was served divorce papers, and my ex-husband remarried before our divorce was even finalized.
At the age of 45, I found myself starting over completely. I cried – cried very hard. Drawing inspiration and strength from my roller derby days, I picked myself up. In roller derby, there’s a saying: “It doesn’t matter how many times you fall as long as you get back up.” So, that’s exactly what I did. I embraced the change in my marital status, leaned into my grief, and found power in reinventing myself. I dedicated time to breaking into the tech industry, even though it seemed like an impossible shift at the time.
Making strides in tech was a significant achievement for me, especially as a woman over 40 entering a male-dominated industry. I devoted five years to contributing to various ML/AI teams at major tech companies. I proved to myself that I could thrive in an entirely new field, but just as I was getting comfortable, life threw another curveball: I was affected by the significant tech layoffs in San Francisco in 2023.
Once again, I was forced to reckon with uncertainty, but this time I was prepared. The same determination that propelled me into big tech helped me navigate these new challenges. I had learned from my earlier hardships that my strength didn’t come from stability; it came from my ability to adapt, pivot, and rise again.
This drive to rebuild led me to start my luxury travel and lifestyle blog in January 2024. In less than a year, I’ve not only grown my audience exponentially but also achieved significant milestones. Qualifying for Grow by Mediavine, a premium ad management service, in just 10 months since the blog’s launch is a testament to the impact of my content and the strength of the community I’ve built. This milestone reflects the dedication and strategy behind creating a platform that inspires and empowers others.
However, setbacks didn’t define me. In 2023, I seized control, rewriting my narrative once more to transition into a full-time influencer and author of spiritual healing books dedicated to serving the collective. In under a year, I successfully built a large digital footprint, with my influence extending across multiple platforms.
In under a year, I successfully built a large digital footprint, with my influence extending across multiple platforms. Becoming Google Verified in both Internet Personality and Author categories was a testament to the strength and reach of my branding strategies, which I now share with clients to help them achieve similar results. My journey from teacher to tech professional to spiritual guide has been filled with challenges, but each step has shaped me into the woman I am today.
This blog is my honest take on life — the ups, downs, and all the messy in-between. I’ve put in the work and patched up my inner child, and now, I’m standing tall, resilient, and unapologetically empowered as an independent, financially strong woman. I’ve realized that relying on myself is the greatest source of empowerment, and I’ve learned that I do not need to rely on a man to support me—my worth is my own.
I’m not just a traveler; I’m a connoisseur of the good life, relishing in the opulence of luxury spa days and appreciating the timeless beauty of fashion. I’ve traveled to 88 countries, each one offering a unique lesson in culture, adventure, and personal growth. As a Google Verified Internet Personality and Author, I’m committed to sharing authentic and enriching experiences with my audience. My Yorkie, a loyal sidekick in these adventures, has been by my side as we explore new places and soak in the richness life offers. Through my journey, I’ve learned that companionship isn’t always found in a partner—it’s in the bond you build with yourself and with those who uplift you.
Join me on this ride where we can share laughs, learn from each other, and navigate life’s adventures with grace and a sense of wonder. Your company is not just welcome; it’s cherished, and I’m thrilled to open up my world to you, inviting you to be a part of my journey filled with discovery and joy!
Now, as a solo female luxury traveler, I embrace the freedom and empowerment of exploring the world on my terms. Each destination is a reminder that life is what we make of it—whether it’s finding solace in a new city or enjoying the quiet luxury of a well-earned moment of rest.
adventures await
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