A new and uncharted direction...
- arewethereyetrambl
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
I was a burnt-out lecturer of over 30 years. I loved teaching dance and performing arts, devising and directing plays, working creatively with superb colleagues and students. But the endless, restrictive and pointless bureaucracy was something I could no longer support. After a particularly hard week, I handed in my notice. I had no plans, it was terrifying, but I couldn’t continue.
I spent some time considering a range of options - none fired my dopamine-seeking brain. When I felt frustrated, I found comfort in maps and would go out exploring. Over time I began to realise that the answer lay somewhere in the woods, fields and on the beaches I wandered. Many years ago, I seriously considered a career in Dance Notation – basically creating dance maps to preserve and reconstruct professional works, so it seemed fitting that maps be part of my future.
Once I started doing longer walks it just kind of steamrolled – walking and navigating the coastline of SE England, a hill skills course in the Peak District, joining Sole Sister Ramblers, helping to set up the Kent circle, then a formal navigation qualification. I saw an advert for ambassadors for my local long-distance route, the North Downs Way, and encouraged by 2 of my new SSR friends (thanks Caroline and June!!) I applied – a little voice in my brain said that this was my destiny.
I knew I needed some professional qualifications and more information on starting a business, so I signed up for the Lowland Leader course. This involved learning to plan and lead longer walks (4+ hrs) in territory which included hills and valleys, but not peaks, moors or mountainsides. This was perfect for Kent, where I live. I realised I had lots of transferable skills – leading, managing groups, planning, risk assessment, research, storytelling, health and fitness, public speaking, problem solving, thinking on my feet (literally). But there was also a lot of new stuff to master: topography, rights of access, estimating distances, outdoor first aid (scary), escape routes, weather systems (baffling), search procedures. I learned the benefit of a hot drink on a cold day, and how much faster you fall when carrying a heavy backpack (learned that one the hard way). Stile techniques, walking up and downhill, how to pack effectively, proper snacks, and technical kit were all new to me. Training included having to plan a theoretical walk for feisty cadets, and explaining the countryside code to stroppy, clueless London teens: “Does anyone know what animal that is? Don’t touch it!! Don’t shout at it!” “Just 3 yew tree seeds are enough to kill you very rapidly!” (should I reveal that… or will it end up being one of those really dumb tiktok challenges?)
It’s been tough, I’m not a natural business type and my neuro-diverse brain regularly tells me I’ve bitten off more than I can chew. At 56 years old, the idea of being self-employed for the first time is truly terrifying. I’m navigating social media, SEO and tax returns. Trying to find my USP is tricky – I have lots of nutty ideas – how neurodiversity intersects with nature; nature and the 18C Romantic movement; walks with dancing, singing, art and poetry; nature and folklore; long distance routes. Actually, having lots of random ideas might just be my USP!
Comments are often made about what’s in my Mary Poppins-like bag? Spares and more spares!! First aid kit, map, compass, emergency shelter, hi-vis, tourniquet, tick remover, secateurs, spare laces, duct tape, extra power pack, head torch, whistle, and more!!
I was advised to “be yourself” (Really?? Surely off-putting???!) So, when choosing a business name my first choice was “Boogie Wanderland”. As a dancer it seemed obvious to me, but research showed that everyone would have to scroll past too many of the wonderfully distracting, extravagant costumes of Earth, Wind and Fire. Likewise, “Ramble On!” was inextricably linked to Led Zepplin. After a lot of brainstorming “Are we there yet?” was just a throw away comment, but it made perfect sense. So “Are We There Yet – Rambling” was born!
There’s still so much to do. I’m looking into more qualifications in teaching navigation, courses in business development, jobs in route marking for ultras and other mass participation events, and other freelance opportunities. This is just the beginning, but in the words of Yoda (as I have often quoted to my son): “Do, or do not – there is no try!”
Many, many thanks to the SSR founding team, wonderful ladies from the Kent circle, and others from the world-wide group: your support and interest in my often silly posts, weird and wonderful facts, hats, and cow encounters have buoyed my spirits and given me the confidence to persevere! Please follow me and share:
Lisa Spender
Insta: awty_rambling
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