This is coming from personal experience.

I love doing many things at the same time.

I have many interests. Many things sound and look interesting to me.

So when I meet someone new and they ask me about what I do, it takes me a minute to come up with an answer.

The answer is usually some version of what is appropriate at the setting I’m in.

If it’s an arts event, I’m a writer / coach.

If it’s a commerce event, I have an e-commerce business.

I believe this stems from society’s influence on us, where people believe the following:

A jack of all trades is a master of none

A rolling stone gathers no moss

This stigma looms in the background when it comes to self-introductions.

In my 20s, I struggled to find that one thing to make what this life would be about. It also complemented the “easy-way-out” mindset of “one-and-done”. The lazy mindset of just sticking to that one thing and cruising through life.

However, doing so was in contrast to my inquisitive and spontaneous nature of wanting to continuously learn, do and get involved. So once I came to terms with my nature and inherent values, it got easier being at peace with myself.

As I grew older and abandoned my people-pleasing tendencies, I felt more secure in my knowing.

Back in the day, polymaths like Albert Einstein and Leonardo da Vinci were accepted and celebrated.

When a person’s knowledge covers many different areas, he or she is a polymath. – Vocabulary.com

Today, the version of yesterday’s Renaissance Man / Woman is today’s multi-hyphenate.

Think of that Hollywood actress who can act / sing / dance / direct / produce. Or Elon Musk who is a rocket scientist / engineer / businessman / politician.

Even closer to home, think of that friend who is an author / podcaster / blogger / vlogger / copywriter.

In today’s gig economy, you might know more than one multi-hyphenate in your life.

Let’s not forget the power effect of the cross-pollination of different fields that can make you a more well rounded person in wisdom and knowledge.

To round up this rant, a little known fact about this common proverb is that it ends with.:

Jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.

Featured Image Source Credit: Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters