Image via
I grew up hearing the phrase “jack of all trades, master of none” repeated left, right and center. It was ingrained in me from a young age that I needed to specialize in one particular field, and stick to it, if I was to be successful in life. It seemed almost taboo to be good in academics, music and sports, all at the same time. There was a silent consensus that you could only excel in one particular field.
In the 21st Century however, a jack of all trades seems to be in demand. There is even a 21st Century skills list that is all the rave especially in western education models. Gone are the days when you could be an A student that lacks social skills and land a high flying job. This century expects you to go beyond excelling in academics. So if you can get decent grades, carry a conversation with a stranger or two, play an instrument, even if it’s a triangle or the chimes, and kick a football, there might be hope for you in this century.
Being a jack of all trades has its advantages when it comes to income generation and it has helped some people earn extra income. For instance, there are architects who are singers, bankers who are rugby players and marketers who are also writers. The list of ‘jack trading’ individuals is getting longer by the day. It seems like there is an attempt at a modern reincarnation of the “Renaissance man”.
‘Jack trading’ in Kenya is taking an interesting direction especially when it comes to the arts and entertainment industry. At first glance, it’s not a bad thing because it guarantees extra income to a number of hardworking Kenyans. Look at the personalities that are making it big on our TV and radio stations. For the talented, the windfall has just begun.
There is a misconception, however, that ‘jack trading’ is for everyone. Of course we are all encouraged to try it out, but it doesn’t mean we should pedal the exact same trades. Just because there are several architects-cum-singers, doesn’t mean that all architects with any musical inclination but no talent, should follow the same path. That conclusion seems straightforward enough but for some reason it is hardly brought up.
The number of singers turned actors turned radio presenters turned TV show hosts is incredible. Some of these actually have the talent required to switch from field to field but the majority do not. Despite this obvious observation, they somehow are still holding their jobs. I’m not sure whether it’s their supposed celebrity stature that their employers are banking on to draw in an audience or the low standards in their respective fields that keep them there. Whatever the reason, it’s unacceptable.
A lot of these ‘celebrities’ are taking jobs away from talented people. People should ‘jack-trade’ only in what they are good at especially when it comes to paying jobs. So if you are going to make an attempt at being a jack of all trades, at least make sure that you are a master of some.