The cliche "Jack of all trades, master of none" pretty much sums up my life. I've done it all. Played three instruments, performed in several plays and musical, danced, written and been in too many clubs to count, ranging from 4-H to Model UN. It might sound impressive, but I never achieved much in any of these fields. I was alright at everything I did, but my numerous commitments rendered me incapable at excelling in any one hobby or skill. I always viewed this as something negative, as a character flaw in myself, especially when I arrived at a college where everyone had accomplished so much. I was surrounded with people who had won national debate competitions, made it to all-state band or orchestra all four years of high school, or published numerous short stories and poems. I felt inferior to these people, these amazingly talented people who had dedicated themselves to only a few passions and already achieved more than I could hope for.
Our society projects this idea that specialization is better, that it is best to narrow one's interest and concentrate on doing a few things well rather than many things at a merely competent level. But what if there are benefits to having a breadth of knowledge and skills, even if none of them are to the highest level possible?
People with diverse interests and a wide knowledge base are more adaptable and flexible in a variety of tasks. They can comfortably do many different types of jobs, which opens them to many more possibilities than people who are convinced that only one or two roles fit them. The eagerness to try many different things can also lead these types of people to develop a go-getter attitude that makes them more willing to be outgoing and try new things.
People with many skills, rather than one specialization, also tend to be more successful in leadership positions. Leaders must have big-picture vision and the ability to see the connection in many jobs and roles held by those they lead. Leaders like CEOs do not, usually, get to their positions by being the best accountant or the best programmer. They rise through the ranks because they are able to synthesis and understand how everything works together. Thus having experience and knowledge in many fields is necessary.
Besides, it is fun to always have something new to try. People who concentrate their efforts on a few limited skills run the risk of burning out or growing tired of their chosen path with few other places to turn. But there is never a dull moment when you have three or four hobbies to choose from, several professional interests, and a line up of new activities to try out.
I often wish I had focused on only a few extracurriculars, but that was not the path given to me. Rather, I am competent in many fields, from music to dance to writing. Perhaps I will never achieve anything grand in any of the fields, but along the way I have learned valuable skills such as the ability to learn, the chance to connect with many different people as I have a foot in many worlds, and I have explored several different passions.
There are benefits and downsides to being both a generalist and a specialist, but do not feel bad about yourself if you are a generalist in a specialist-centric world. Do not compare yourself to others, and recognize all the amazing things you have been able to do as a generalist who tries a little bit of everything.
