Jack of all Trades

May 20th, 2022.

I remember a time when it was considered bad to be "jack of all trades/master of none". The argument is that you don't master anything because you're constantly switching roles.

Jack of all trades + Master of None

But I think the reality of this view is changing, especially in today's world where we have such a wide variety of skills to share. For example, it's indeed a good thing to be a jack of all trades (let's say: software engineer + UI/UX + creative) because it gives you the ability to adapt to many different roles.

I have a friend who recently said that she has a question about being a jack of all trades, asking about the benefits of having lots of handworks/trades?

"Well, it depends on what your goal is, I guess. But I see no negative about having lots of trades.

Oh yeah...I'm pretty much a Jack of all trades when it comes to my craft as well. I mean I do everything from baking, to writing, to decorating, to making liquid soaps/detergents and antiseptics. I just love being multi-talented like this.

Since there's no negative attached if you're a jack of all trades, what are the benefits of having lots of handworks/trades?

• For one, it gives you an edge over other people in the field.

• If you are capable and flexible enough to do other things in the industry or business that you're working on, then you'll be able to save time and money.

• You'll find yourself doing things faster and better than other people who are just focused on one thing.

You've all heard stories of the guy that can fix anything around the house. You know, the one who can rewire a lamp, oil a squeaky hinge and hang a flat screen TV. He is known as a jack of all trades.

It sounds like a good thing to be a jack of all trades. Is it?

In theory you can do most everything required to keep your home in repair and looking good. In reality, there are some serious drawbacks to spreading yourself so thin.

If you don't involve yourself in a wide range of duties, you will be increasingly reliant on your family and friends for help, who may not be around when needed.

Identifying your strengths and weaknesses and focusing on just a few of the many things you enjoy doing will give you more time to focus on things you can do well and, hopefully, make a living at it.

I want to learn as many skills/trades as I can. My reasoning for this is that if I know how to do as many things as possible, then I will be valuable to a lot of companies and even to myself.

We all might have come across this very interesting saying ''Jack of all trades, master of none''.

I can't disagree for the reason that this saying has deep-rooted history. In ancient time, most of the people were artisans and not just one. This made sense because if you were a leatherworker, then you would not also be a shoemaker and if you were a shoemaker then you would not also be tailor.

If there's a trade you feel like learning or it could be a skill, go for it and be the best you could ever be. The sky is your stepping stone.