A lot of people are not monogamous when it comes to career. Yet when filling out an information form or when asked about one’s work at a social gathering, a one-word answer is usually expected. “I’m a banker.” “I’m a lawyer.” “I manage a restaurant.” Well what is the answer for those people who are knowledgeable about, experienced in, skilled at, and impassioned by multiple fields of work? I’m not talking about a jack of all trades, master of none. I’m talking about a master of many trades, also known as a polymath. (Sometimes they are referred to as “Renaissance Men/Women,” bringing to mind da Vinci, Galileo, and Copernicus.) I’d be so excited if I asked someone, “What do you do?” and was told, “I’m a cross-country skier, Russian language interpreter, cake decorator, sculptor, and attorney. Oh, and I just got certified as an electrician.” I’d be talking with someone who didn’t have any part of herself on pause! That is something to which I most certainly aspire.
So to you polymaths, maybe it’s time to just put it all out there. Who cares if you are met with crinkled brows or people who want to put you into tiny boxes? Own it all, every part of you! (And to you people who have polymath tendencies but haven’t fully explored them yet, maybe this is the time to give them a try. Un-pausing a passion feels really good.)
Allow me to introduce myself. I am an actor, writer, and Interfaith Minister who can crunch numbers, organize anything, and who can talk excitedly about American history, spirituality, politics, train rides, New York City, and the theatre. And I am also the VP of a really cool company called The Bacana Plan
What do you do? (Take up all the space you need!)
8 Responses to “coming out as a polymath”
Love this article Liz! I AM a polymath. It feels so good to say it outloud. I am a painter, henna artist, musician, singer, designer, crafter, executive assistant, meeting organizer, writer, life coach, lifelong learner and yogi.
Casey, you are officially our first commenter! You now hold a place of honor in Bacana land. Thank you!!
I’m the owner and curator of an online design shop, soon-to-be lighting designer, social media enthusiast, aspiring chef (in my mind) and a Bacana helper. Love all things architecture, art, history and music. Interested in expanding my horizon on Buddhism, off-the-beaten path travel and finding a 12-step program for ice cream addiction
(did that sound more like a personal ad??)
Fantastic, Cheri. I keep finding out more and more cool things about what you do. So ecstatic to have you as part of the team!
Over the last few years it seems more and more people have multiple projects, as opposed to multiple jobs. I believe this is a function of what happens when you love what you do. One project pays the bills, most times, and when you love your work, why leave it when the next great opportunity comes along?
I’ll come out. Founded Social(k). Just finished as ED of Non Profit. Building bridge between pension money and community lenders. Now beginning a project with universities to bring them demand side frequency power regulation. All way too much fun, why leave any of them behind. Not unlike Polyamory but with jobs not lovers.
Love it, Rob! Perhaps polyjobery???
Liz, we are kindred spirits! And you’re so correct in not reducing this polymath person to a jack of all trades, because we are actually going as far as possible with our endeavors. I’m a writer (and not just a blogger), but authored an entire novel. I was a paid organizer for the Obama campaign, not to mention I’m an attorney as well. And-did I tell you I have an acting agent? So it is difficult to explain to people what we do-I just call it the Renaissance Soul.
Well said, Natasha. All that you have going on and all that you are and the boldness it takes to do it all… so very cool!!