Modern culture sometimes has hard-to-shake core beliefs. The social mores tend to suggest that workers specialize (or sub-specialize) in one thing. We expect people to define themselves by their work, and their work must consist of one main task or calling. That’s easy for people who are good at only one thing or favor/enjoy only one thing.
However, some of us have trouble fitting into that mold. We do multiple things well and enjoy the variety. Specialization can seem like an albatross around our necks instead of a stable source of happiness. Few resources exist for this personality and career type. Career counselors do not often suggest this path when people plan their lives. Yet as Wapnick describes in this book (and my life exemplifies), a multifaceted career path can lead to happiness, financial stability, and interesting products.
Being unusual is tough. People often describe me as “brilliant,” but don’t see how traditional roles usually lead me to dead ends. They idealize “the road less travelled,” but don’t see how difficult it sometimes is. Wapnick writes for audiences just like me. I develop software and lead a community of users at work, read books and write reviews as a hobby, teach and coordinate a impactful Sunday School class, and engage in interesting play with my family. And like Wapnick, I’m happy the way I am, thank you.
Her book is broken up into three main parts. The first part describes what a “multipotentialite” is – someone who has multiple talents or does multiple things well. Tradition has described this path in many ways, including genius, polymath, jack of all trades but master of none, among others. The second part describes different ways that people have pursued this lifestyle. Key aspects are how much variety is needed in a week and how sequentially versus simultaneously one pursues various interests. She then describes several successful strategies people have historically taken to express themselves. Finally, the last part consists of more of a self-help handbook for this personality type. Living as a multipotentialite in a world where so many people define themselves by just one thing can be difficult. Wapnick offers some helpful suggestions she’s learned along the way.
This book seems to help a need in an original way. Few books address this topic and focus on financial stability along with personal happiness, like Wapnick does. Central is redefining one’s understanding of career. This book is practical and focused on those of us who live a bit differently than the rest. It also should receive an audience with career counselors, human resource professionals, and career mentors to understand differences in people. Those groups are specific niches, but they are successfully filled in this examination about how being multiple and plural can actually aid one through life.
How to Be Everything: A Guide for Those Who (Still) Don’t Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up
By Emilie Wapnick
Copyright (c) 2017
HarperAudio
ASIN B06XCY4YFS
Length: 4:59
Genre: Career Development. Business/Management
www.amazon.com