Jimmy Carlin, a name synonymous with wild antics and impressive skateboarding in the late 2000s and early 2010s, has taken a surprising turn in his career. Known for his half-naked clips and ridiculous faces, Carlin, who showcased his talent in videos like Color Theory and Perpetual Motion, is now preparing to stand in front of a classroom of middle schoolers. This transition from the unpredictable world of professional skateboarding to the structured environment of education is a testament to Carlin’s adaptability and evolving priorities.
A Winding Path Away from the Pro Skate Scene
Carlin’s decision to move away from professional skateboarding was a gradual process. He began attending community college while still active in the skate scene, realizing that the intensity of his career was unsustainable. The combination of waning sponsorships and a growing desire for new challenges fueled his decision to explore avenues outside of skateboarding. By the time his career ended at 32, Carlin had already begun to mentally and academically prepare for a career change.
His dedication to skateboarding was now channeled into his studies. After acing a psychology exam, Carlin’s confidence grew, and he approached his education with the same fervor he once reserved for mastering new tricks. The transition wasn’t seamless, though. The feeling of leaving a familiar world, akin to Peter Pan leaving Neverland, was a constant struggle. He grappled with the question of whether to film another video part, to squeeze out a few more years. Ultimately, Carlin realized he didn’t want to work within the skate industry and chose a different path altogether.
Embracing a Family Legacy: The Call to Teaching
What makes Carlin’s career change more intriguing is that teaching runs in his family. With a father, mother, sister, and grandparents all in the education field, it’s a path he once actively avoided. Yet, now he finds himself drawn to it. He reflects on how he once questioned the appeal of teaching, and now enthusiastically embraces it. This familial influence, coupled with his personal experiences, led him to pursue a career in early childhood education.
A particular experience at Woodward solidified his decision. Witnessing a father berating his son for not landing a trick, and then making an effort to positively engage the child, showed Carlin the profound impact adults can have on a child’s identity. He now aims to be a positive role model, and is aware of the importance of a safe and supportive learning environment for children.
Lessons Learned from the Skate World
Carlin’s time in professional skateboarding, under the watchful eye of figures like Jamie Thomas, taught him valuable lessons about discipline, dedication, and the importance of precision. He recalls the intense environment at Blackbox, where he had to meet specific expectations to be featured in videos. One particular experience involved refilming his last trick at Carlsbad gap, and having a logo digitally added because of a blank board.
Reflecting on his career, Carlin acknowledges that his skating persona, often portrayed as goofy and outlandish, was authentic. While he enjoyed making people laugh, he also faced expectations to always be “on,” which he found tiring. Despite this, he maintained his individuality and often refused to conform to others’ expectations. He even recalls refusing to recreate a moment that a filmer found funny.
Navigating the Ups and Downs of a Pro Career
Carlin’s career was marked by both financial highs and lows. One year, he was participating in Street League and earning significant income, while the next year his earnings plummeted. He also faced disappointments, such as the cancellation of his Oververt video part, which was initially fast-forwarded during the premiere as a joke. Though offered opportunities by other brands, many of them did not materialize.
Despite the challenges, Carlin maintains a positive perspective. He sees his experience as a valuable lesson in navigating the ups and downs of life. These experiences provided him with the impetus to transition from the uncertainties of the skate industry to the more stable world of education.
Personal Growth and Future Aspirations
In recent times, Carlin has focused on his personal well-being. After gaining weight from quitting smoking, he addressed his health by cutting out sweets and sugary drinks, leading to a 25-pound weight loss. This journey reflects his growing awareness of self-care and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He also shares that he now avoids drinking due to the anxiety he experiences with hangovers.
Reflecting on his past antics, like getting kicked out of the Transworld premiere for being drunk and throwing his clothes, Carlin admits he was obnoxious, but maintains it was also a fun time. He acknowledges that this behavior wouldn’t be appropriate today.
Conclusion: A New Chapter
Jimmy Carlin’s story is one of transformation, demonstrating that it’s possible to reinvent oneself and find fulfillment in unexpected places. From the highs of professional skateboarding to the challenges of the classroom, Carlin’s journey is a testament to his resilience and adaptability. His unique blend of life experience and a genuine desire to help young people, suggest a bright future in education. As he prepares to guide middle schoolers, Carlin will undoubtedly bring a unique perspective and approach that only a former pro skateboarder could offer.
