I absolutely feel this Dean! Focusing on one area is simply far too boring in my book! I adore the book Shine - met Andy many many years ago and his enthusiasm and passion for life is boundless!
When it comes to me, my linked in blurb tells all about my brain, my being, my passions and pursuits… I can’t narrow myself down either. I’ve often tried, but I find myself using the term ‘just’ which inadvertently shows my own dislike for pigeon holing myself into one box. Like to certain people ‘I’m just a teacher’ but actually that’s far from true.
In a vaguely similar way, I’ve dabbled so much over the past 20 years - from starting out in radio and sticking with it for 6 years, working for one of the biggest networks and stations, to moving to events for ‘stability’, to becoming a teacher for a ‘sensible, reliable’ job, to developing in EdTecb to then revisiting all those pursuits in various guises for the following 15 years! However, I am fully aware that without these extra pursuits which I adore, by settling in one area, without ‘gai’, my ‘ik’ would be unhappy!
I’ve always seen that jack of all trades phrase to be quite damming but people of our ilk should own how it works for us and be proud: after all, humans can be many things so if someone can have talent in multiple areas, without stapling themselves to one and be forced to sit in a box, surely that’s something special?!
Anyway, thanks for sharing your journey! I hope you’re enjoying where it’s taking you! :)
Love this, Eve and totally agree on reclaiming 'jack of all trades' to mean something more positive. I guess on reflection that's one of the things I was trying to do for myself with this post.
I always enjoy hearing about the varied journeys people have taken, so thank you for sharing! Looking forward to seeing what you do next.
I recently learned that the full quote is "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes is better than a master of one." , which I like much better!! I think you bring a ton to the table with your myriad of skills and experience! The thing that most strikes me about you is your can-do approach - even if you have not done it yet, I know you'll figure it out!!!
Dean, what a fabulous post. This also sums me up! I too love dabbling in lots of things I enjoy doing. I do loads of them for fun and also keep a few side hustle going. Nothing wrong with any of that.
What a great post. This speaks volumes to me. As a job searcher, people (including myself sometimes) have been surprised by the breadth of different roles I have applied to. Seeking to change careers from a very linear one to discover what else I can do, and allow me to use my more ‘generalist’ approach is proving tricky. I am happy to learn and try anything I believe in or can see the impact it will have, though I have little desire to just pick one ‘trade’. I will definitely be reading Shine! Thank you.
Thanks Elizabeth. I can absolutely relate! I've enjoyed finding ways over the years to bring those side skills into my main job alongside the core responsibilities.
I absolutely feel this Dean! Focusing on one area is simply far too boring in my book! I adore the book Shine - met Andy many many years ago and his enthusiasm and passion for life is boundless!
When it comes to me, my linked in blurb tells all about my brain, my being, my passions and pursuits… I can’t narrow myself down either. I’ve often tried, but I find myself using the term ‘just’ which inadvertently shows my own dislike for pigeon holing myself into one box. Like to certain people ‘I’m just a teacher’ but actually that’s far from true.
In a vaguely similar way, I’ve dabbled so much over the past 20 years - from starting out in radio and sticking with it for 6 years, working for one of the biggest networks and stations, to moving to events for ‘stability’, to becoming a teacher for a ‘sensible, reliable’ job, to developing in EdTecb to then revisiting all those pursuits in various guises for the following 15 years! However, I am fully aware that without these extra pursuits which I adore, by settling in one area, without ‘gai’, my ‘ik’ would be unhappy!
I’ve always seen that jack of all trades phrase to be quite damming but people of our ilk should own how it works for us and be proud: after all, humans can be many things so if someone can have talent in multiple areas, without stapling themselves to one and be forced to sit in a box, surely that’s something special?!
Anyway, thanks for sharing your journey! I hope you’re enjoying where it’s taking you! :)
Love this, Eve and totally agree on reclaiming 'jack of all trades' to mean something more positive. I guess on reflection that's one of the things I was trying to do for myself with this post.
I always enjoy hearing about the varied journeys people have taken, so thank you for sharing! Looking forward to seeing what you do next.
One very simple comment........'variety is the spice of life' 🥰
I recently learned that the full quote is "A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes is better than a master of one." , which I like much better!! I think you bring a ton to the table with your myriad of skills and experience! The thing that most strikes me about you is your can-do approach - even if you have not done it yet, I know you'll figure it out!!!
Thanks Sarah! Love the full version of the quote. Learning new stuff is always fun!
Dean, what a fabulous post. This also sums me up! I too love dabbling in lots of things I enjoy doing. I do loads of them for fun and also keep a few side hustle going. Nothing wrong with any of that.
Totally agree Wendy!
What a great post. This speaks volumes to me. As a job searcher, people (including myself sometimes) have been surprised by the breadth of different roles I have applied to. Seeking to change careers from a very linear one to discover what else I can do, and allow me to use my more ‘generalist’ approach is proving tricky. I am happy to learn and try anything I believe in or can see the impact it will have, though I have little desire to just pick one ‘trade’. I will definitely be reading Shine! Thank you.
Thanks Elizabeth. I can absolutely relate! I've enjoyed finding ways over the years to bring those side skills into my main job alongside the core responsibilities.