The pleasures of a job search

I know that most people consider a job search a scourge, a terrible thing to live through. Aside from the lack of income (and maybe a rejection or two) I think it is a great experience. For once you can explore your options without feeling bound by convention or your own self imposed limits. It is a legitimate time to explore what might be a possibility for you. When you are working for a company or for your self in a predefined role, you tend to focus on the immediate and the specifically relevant aspects of your 'work'. Generally you don't have time to 'explore' or consider new things because of what is immediately in front of you. When I am in search mode, I'm looking, considering and remaining open to what shows up for me.

Right now I'm searching for a business development role focusing on strategic partnerships. Specific enough to have a discussion, but not so limiting that I can't explore new arenas. Most of my career, aside from a short stint in executive recruiting, has been in telecom, satellite communications, software, internet etc. During this search mode I don't feel limited to those industries. The magic of putting companies together for mutual benefit in strategic partnerships works for the same reasons across industries. There may be some industry structures and competitive landscapes that impact a partnership, but the specific industry doesn't really affect the important part of a partnership. So, I'm exploring some new (growing) industries. New people, new technologies, new companies and for the moment am being warmly received by people in these industries. They are open to having a discussion with me & giving me feedback on whether or not my background/experience would be suitable for their industry.

Why do I like a job search?
1. I keep learning.
2. I meet interesting accomplished people.
3. I can try to connect with just about anyone.
4. I get to be creative in approach.
5. I keep solving puzzles.
6. I get to satisfy my curiosity.
7. I explore things I might not otherwise have time for but discover I'm interested in.
8. I validate some of my assumptions about companies and industries. Or not.
9. I learn about new industries
10. I find out about things I didn't know existed.

I guess its clear that the learning piece is an integral part of the process. Let's see what I learn today....