Wow, this is so me! I’ve worked in grocery stores, a car parts manufacturing plant, I went to school for marine technology because I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. I worked in a Children’s Museum and daycare. Got my early childhood certificate. Then I worked at a pharmacy started as a cashier and moved up to certified pharmacy tech. Now I work in customer service for a pharmacy software company. I was good at all those jobs, but got bored of them. Before working in the pharmacy the longest I’d ever stayed at a job was 2 years. All my bosses asked me to stay. So now whenever I apply for a job I always try to emphasize my soft skills. It’s still difficult for me though to feel confident applying for a job that seems “out of range” for me. But I like to try new things so I don’t say no to many offers. 🤪🪶. Thanks for reminding me that it’s ok to not have a specialized skill.
Wow, what a background! I often tell generalists that when you're good at many things and can do pretty much any job and become good at it, that means it's time to start asking what you WANT to do and where you want to bring all this energy. Sometimes it's a cause, an industry or a personal project where people find a sense of "thriving". And in the best case scenario, you'll realise you're actually combining all of your skills and nothing you ever did has gone to waste :D
Saving this for life, Aurora! I listened to this on my way to the café, and it’s hands down the best Substack article I’ve read this month. You’ve captured the essence of being a creative generalist so clearly and beautifully—it feels like you wrote it just for me. Thank you 🤍
Hi Mimi, thanks so much for your comment and kind words. You don't know how happy I am to hear that the words I write here can connect with someone else out there. Let's keep the generalist vibes high, the world needs us weirdos :)
My favorite is #3, where you write about empathy. It reminds me of my experience in seeing the fragile and vulnerable human in other people, or having a sneak peek behind their masks they show to the real world.
Oh, I love how you describe it: seeing the fragile and vulnerable human in other people. I believe if we functioned merely on that level and forgot about labels and titles and all, we'd have quite happy societies. May sound utopian but one's gotta have big dreams, right? :)
Wow, this is so me! I’ve worked in grocery stores, a car parts manufacturing plant, I went to school for marine technology because I wanted to be a dolphin trainer. I worked in a Children’s Museum and daycare. Got my early childhood certificate. Then I worked at a pharmacy started as a cashier and moved up to certified pharmacy tech. Now I work in customer service for a pharmacy software company. I was good at all those jobs, but got bored of them. Before working in the pharmacy the longest I’d ever stayed at a job was 2 years. All my bosses asked me to stay. So now whenever I apply for a job I always try to emphasize my soft skills. It’s still difficult for me though to feel confident applying for a job that seems “out of range” for me. But I like to try new things so I don’t say no to many offers. 🤪🪶. Thanks for reminding me that it’s ok to not have a specialized skill.
Wow, what a background! I often tell generalists that when you're good at many things and can do pretty much any job and become good at it, that means it's time to start asking what you WANT to do and where you want to bring all this energy. Sometimes it's a cause, an industry or a personal project where people find a sense of "thriving". And in the best case scenario, you'll realise you're actually combining all of your skills and nothing you ever did has gone to waste :D
Yes, this is my struggle for sure. Still haven’t figured out what that is yet.
I'm sure you'll get there when the time is ripe :)
Saving this for life, Aurora! I listened to this on my way to the café, and it’s hands down the best Substack article I’ve read this month. You’ve captured the essence of being a creative generalist so clearly and beautifully—it feels like you wrote it just for me. Thank you 🤍
Hi Mimi, thanks so much for your comment and kind words. You don't know how happy I am to hear that the words I write here can connect with someone else out there. Let's keep the generalist vibes high, the world needs us weirdos :)
I know exactly what you mean when :)
My favorite is #3, where you write about empathy. It reminds me of my experience in seeing the fragile and vulnerable human in other people, or having a sneak peek behind their masks they show to the real world.
Oh, I love how you describe it: seeing the fragile and vulnerable human in other people. I believe if we functioned merely on that level and forgot about labels and titles and all, we'd have quite happy societies. May sound utopian but one's gotta have big dreams, right? :)
Yes, yes, and YES. Period. 🤎