Of Changes

Just an update today, folks.  No epiphanies or social commentary.

Maybe it's midlife crisis time, or maybe I'm just bored.  I don't really know what is propelling me in so many new directions.  I simply know that the last two years have brought tremendous change in so many areas in my life, and that the changes keep on coming.

This year was my fifth consecutive busy (tax) season at work.  And it was the hardest one yet.  It didn't start off too badly, but from March 11 - April 15th I was only able to take one day off work (Easter) and most weeks were well over 60 hour work weeks with a couple topping 80.  I am lucky to have landed a position at Peterson Sullivan, where I enjoy doing interesting, challenging work with a group of people who are great to work alongside.

Nevertheless, such a heavy workload leaves its mark.  Really it was on a whim - in early February in the midst of such a busy time - that I decided to sign up for the Seattle to Portland bike ride on July 13th.  I didn't have a bike, I hadn't exercised in forever, and I didn't have any kind of a training plan.  But I had a few friends who were going and who encouraged me to join them.  Perhaps I just needed something to look forward to that would power me through the rest of busy season.

Whatever the reason, I was committed.  I got a brand new road bike for my birthday in late April and I hit the road.  I didn't get to train quite as much as I'd have liked, but after putting in some 500 miles I set off on the 13th to make the 200-mile trek.  About 16.5 hours later we made it to our destination in Portland, exhausted and elated to have achieved something difficult and worthwhile.

Since my training started in April, I have made a regular habit of commuting home from work (a 30-mile ride) and taking longer rides on the weekends.  I am in better shape than I've been in since who knows when.  It's been a tremendously positive change in my life, and I'm grateful for friends who encourage me to make positive change and for capricious decisions that sometimes have fantastic results.

Oh and speaking of change did I mention that I'm changing careers?  True story.  Let's recap Matt's career:

* Graduated from BYU in 2002 with a degree in communications (Public Relations).  Intended to get a job at a PR firm and make a career of it.
* Couldn't find a job in PR so spent nearly 2 years working as an electrician.
* Attended law school from 2004-2007; passed the bar and practiced law until the beginning of 2009.
* Switched to a career in public accounting, which I have done since early 2009 until the present time.

Let's not forget that the CPA career has included three jobs.  Two at decent-sized CPA firms and one (sandwiched in-between those two) at a small firm that I was intending to purchase and operate indefinitely (a plan that failed).

As of right now I've been at Peterson Sullivan for almost a year, so naturally it's time to switch things up.

You see, the only constant through all of those career changes noted above has been my involvement at Pacific Ballroom Dance.  It became a 501(c)(3) organization about the same time that Heather and I got started with it in 2003.  Since that time, we have been intimately involved in helping it to grow and expand.  One of the most fulfilling aspects of my life these last ten years has been serving in this organization where I have been able to influence the lives of young people in a positive way.  I have come to believe strongly in the transformative power of ballroom dance as a tool that builds character in youth and breaks down social barriers.

Three years ago, we partnered with a fantastic program called Dancing Classrooms, based in New York City.  It's an incredible, inspired program that trains Teaching Artists to go into 5th grade classrooms to teach ballroom dance to students.  We have loved this program and have enjoyed our interactions with its leadership since we teamed up three years ago.  The organization has about 24 sites around the country at the present time.

Some time during the dog-days of busy season, I became aware that Dancing Classrooms was looking to hire a full-time National Operations Director.  I let them know I would be interested in talking to them about the position.  After some interviewing and discussions back and forth, they made me an offer, which I accepted.  In this position, I will be responsible to help shape the strategy and structure of the program and I will manage its growth into the future.

It seems like the perfect fusion of my training, experience, and talents at this time in my life.  The vision is to bring this program to every 5th grader on the planet.  That may or may not prove possible, but what a wonderful and lofty goal to work toward!  My full-time occupation will be to bring the joy of ballroom dance to tens (and eventually hundreds) of thousands of children all over the country and world.  I couldn't be more excited.