Jack vs. the Master of One

Originally posted November 6th, 2007



Jack vs. the Master of One
Current mood: confused
Category: Goals, Plans, Hopes

You've heard it before, but have you ever wondered about the importance of it?

Jack of all trades, master of none. This is something that gnaws away at my very being constantly.

I feel as if I fall within this category of people in this world. I know little bits of information about a lot of different jobs, facets of life, but have never truly felt comfortable professing absolute knowledge about any one subject overall.

Now a lot of my friends are scoffing at this notion immediately saying, "DUDE, you know a TON about sports!" Okay, so I know my fair share, but that still doesn't make me a master, just more well versed than others.

It occurred to me last week that maybe it's better to be a master of one, rather than jack of all, master of none. I understand the need to be well-rounded. And while I've NEVER been one to feel that I have to conform to the needs and wants of the masses (especially when I feel that they're all dipshits anyway), the reality does remain that a person can have more success if he/she is specialized in a specific field of study rather than knowing a little bit here and there. Now while you might appreciate more of what life has to offer by learning as well as applying different skills throughout your life, you may also find yourself stuck in a rut, reaching a state of boredom and eventually becoming depressed in your current situation if you choose to hop from job to job.

Depending on your lifestyle, this may appeal to you and if it does, then I say, go for it!

However the older you get, the tougher it becomes to continue these patterns without certain expected consequences, whether they be financially or emotionally.

Now if you are the Master of One, then you will be in high demand wherever you go. You will know everything there is to know about a particular subject matter and this is a luxury that will afford you job offers for the rest of your life. Now the downfall is that b/c you've chosen to exclusively focus on one field of study rather than dabble in a little of everything, you run the risk of pigeon-holing yourself as well. Also, the same applies as it does for Jack...if you develop discontent in your current position and want to pursue something else, it may be increasingly difficult as you get older and your priorities of survival change.

I don't know which is better. In fact, I am reaching out to those that may take a peek at this blog to give me your thoughts. I want YOU to tell me what you think is better and why. Getting a different perspective on this topic might help me unravel it a bit more in my own mind. Thanks for checking me out and hopefully staying awake...lol.


This is Robby Radio...signing OFF!