Starting over, over again

Some time ago, I was invited to be part of an interview hosted on the Gday world network (over here). In that interview, the question of WHY came up regarding my moves away from different jobs I've had, toward new opportunities.

In 1990, I left day-labor and construction - after working off/on again for over 4 years as a journeyman carpenter.
In 1996, I left academia - after being tapped to join a PhD program in learning development and teaching.
in 2000, I left education - after being named teacher of the year and assisting hundreds of students as they navigated the worlds of learning about History and practicing the Spanish Language.
in 2007, I left employment as a senior staff seminar facilitator (having presented over 500 days of professional seminars across North America and Western Europe).

So, why would I leave what would seem to be such obvious "careers?" Why would I branch out time and time again into different fields, having to learn different skills? And, of course, why would I anticipate at some time in the future I'll change directions again? (There is something inside me that is interested in the social movements of not-for-profits, and the implication of "for-profit" collaboration with such organizations...)

The reason is simple: I learn more as a beginner than I do as the expert.

(My first attempt at walking across a tightrope...)

In the foreground of this picture, a former student I worked with at Nordhoff High School. (Jon was in a history class I taught in 1998!) There I am, on a tightrope in nearby Libby Park*. Along the "line" of being a beginner, I was walking through the park after registering for the Ojai Valley Century ride on Friday, June 1, 2007. (The ride was scheduled for June 2, 2007.)

As I passed by the guys, Jon says, "Hey, have you ever tried this?" And, he points to a nylon line strung up between two trees in the park. "No," I said, and walked over. I watched them for about 15 minutes, trying to figure out what they knew about gravity, balance and the laws of physics...then, I climbed up myself.

The two guys walked along with me, and I got 7 steps across the line the first time (only 5 the second!) before falling to the lawn. A fascinating exercise in physical control...I was a beginner...again!

One thing I've learned in all these years of trial, and error, and trial again is that by simply being open to trying something, new things to try show up all the time!

*Libby Park is right in the heart of Downtown Ojai.