Have you ever wondered why you find it so challenging to stick to just one career path, to confine yourself to a single lane when you have a multitude of interests competing for your attention? I know I have. If you feel the same way and you are at a crossroads in your career, you may find it difficult to decide which direction to take or which job opportunities you should pursue.
For the longest time, I juggled several interests and lines of work. I studied, taught, recruited, danced, wrote, and sold products, to name a few. I worked full time at the University in a human resources capacity while pursuing my undergraduate and graduate degrees and coaching certificate. All this while raising a family and performing on the weekends. It wasn’t always easy, but I felt alive and, honestly, I was simply being true to myself.
When I felt I wasn’t learning or growing anymore, or when I got bored with my work, I changed positions. I embraced new opportunities that came my way and was fortunate that, throughout my 25-year career in higher education, I never had to leave my employer. I remained committed and loyal to the University. Every time I got promoted into a new role, I was excited about starting something new and this kept me very much interested, engaged, and curious to learn and grow as much as I could.
What is your purpose in life, what fuels your passion for work?
As I reflect upon my life’s journey, a common thread emerges. My purpose has always been clear – to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I’ve harnessed my diverse talents and skills to help others while nurturing my own growth, a journey that allows me to inspire through wisdom sharing.
Recognizing what truly fuels my passion for work (and life, which I discovered by taking the #Sparketype assessment), has empowered me to effortlessly apply my skills across various daily contexts, whether it’s coaching, facilitating, teaching, writing, or speaking. This perpetual exploration resonates deeply with one of my core character strengths – a perpetual thirst for learning, a commitment to continuous growth and evolution.
Recently, I had a revelation that shook me to the core – all thanks to Emilie Wapnick’s TED talk “Why Some of Us Don’t Have One True Calling” and her book “How to Be Everything: A Guide for Those Who (Still) Don’t Know What They Want to Be When They Grow Up.” 📚🎙️ These resources opened a door for me, allowing me to view my varied interests not as a liability, but as a powerful asset. 🚀
This discovery was more than just finding a label; it was about uncovering a language that resonated with people like me – those who don’t necessarily follow a structured career path but instead embrace a more integrative and holistic approach to life, leveraging their diverse skills in many ways.
Multipotentiality, for those who haven’t encountered the term, is the beautiful concept of having multiple interests and the ability to excel in diverse fields. It’s about shattering the notion that we must fit ourselves neatly into a single box and embrace the richness of our multifaceted passions.
Can you relate to this? Have you ever felt torn between your passions, as if you had to choose just one and abandon the rest? If so, my journey might resonate with you and help you create your own path.
I’ve discovered that my diverse skills aren’t a drawback; they’re a unique strength that allows me to make connections and share insights others might miss.
Being a multipotentialite can be liberating and exhilarating
Living outside the box is not only okay but empowering. It’s about merging passions, creating a vibrant tapestry of experiences and unleashing your limitless potential. 🌈🌏 Just imagine what the world could be if each of us embraced our authentic selves and celebrated the richness that comes from pursuing our passions without limitations. Every single day, be it from 9 to 5, or 5 to 9. Wouldn’t you like to find a job where you could be yourself and live your passions?
Throughout my life I have been juggling various passions, interests, and skills, realizing that I can do it all. I do not need to conform to a single label or fit into a specific box. And I don’t. Embracing my multipotentiality has shown me that I don’t need to limit myself to just one path.
Being a multipotentialite means celebrating the fact that I thrive when I explore diverse fields, learn new things, and adapt my skills across different domains. 💡 Whether it’s delving into spirituality, diving into the world of writing, or immersing myself in public speaking, I’m at my best when I’m engaging with my varied interests.
This realization has brought about a liberating mindset shift. I’ve come to understand that I’m not scattered or indecisive; instead, I’m a versatile force with the ability to create connections and insights that might not have been possible if I confined myself to a singular path.
If you’ve ever felt the pressure to fit into a predetermined box, let me tell you – you don’t have to. Embracing a multipotentialite lifestyle is an invitation to break free from those confining walls and allow your passions to weave together into a beautiful tapestry. It’s about recognizing that your diverse skills are your superpower, and the world is your canvas. 🌈🌏
Navigating life as a multipotentialite brings its own set of challenges, and indeed, it’s a dynamic balancing act worth experiencing. Regardless of the career path or interest you choose to embrace and add to your multi-talented self, the art of juggling these diverse passions is an intricate dance. But know this, each challenge you conquer adds a unique dimension of value to everything you do.
So, here’s to living boldly outside the box! We should celebrate our multifaceted natures, relish our array of interests, and confidently take on whatever path lights our fire. 🔥 In essence, embrace our true, authentic selves.
Take the test and find out if you are a multipotentialite
Curious to find out if you’re a multipotentialite too? Complete the free test provided on the website of Emilie Wapnick and discover if you share this incredible trait. You can learn more about multipotentiality through the valuable resources available on her website. You’ll also find many articles online on this topic, including these articles:
- Jack of all trades: multipotentialites in the workplace
- 6 Clues You Might Be A Multipotentialite—And The Best Way To Leverage It
- Être multipotentiel, qu’est-ce que c’est? (Article in French)
- Passionnés mais vite lassés, quelle place pour les multipotentiels au travail? (Article in French)
Discovering you are a multipotentialite can have an impact on your job search and make you consider new career options. On her website, Emilie Wapnick introduces four work models that will help you choose and design your next career path.
- Model 1: You could consider having one multifaceted job that would allow you to use your many different passions, interests and skills.
- Model 2: You could decide to have two or more jobs or businesses, like teaching mindfulness part time and working part time as a web designer for small and medium-sized organizations.
- Model 3: You could opt for a day job that would provide a steady income without taking too much time or energy, making it possible for you to engage with other projects and passions outside your work hours.
- Model 4: You could choose to work in a job for a period of time and when you get bored you switch to a totally different field. You can launch and run a coffee shop and, after a while, you can decide to sell it and start a new business in a different industry.
Multipotentiality is not just for the younger generations. There are mature workers who will discover that they are multipotentialites only when they reached their 40s, 50s or 60s. Take stock of what you can bring as a multipotentialite with a wealth of knowledge and experience. There is not just one way to conduct your career. You have so many options. Just put your thinking hat on and decide which path you will pursue to be happy and fulfilled in your work life.
About the Author
Tania Chomyk is a dedicated HR professional with over 25 years in higher education, specializing in recruitment, performance management, and organizational development. Holding degrees in Vocational Education and Masters in Education – Human Relations, she champions a philosophy of continuous learning and human-centric organizational culture. Tania is also a certified coach, committed to personal and professional reinvention through deep self-awareness. Her passion for fostering employee engagement and well-being recently led her to La Passerelle, where she continues to empower individuals to discover their unique paths to success.
About La Passerelle
Since its foundation in 1990, La Passerelle, an employment help centre in Montreal, has helped thousands of mature workers re-enter the job market through its subsidized job search assistance program and career coaching. La Passerelle supports all efforts made to combat ageism because we firmly believe in equal opportunities and age diversity in the workplace.
