Comments on: A rant on choosing only one career

By: Marian Schembari

Marian Schembari — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:55:45 +0000

Oh my goodness, you are SO not alone! The more I write and the more I work for myself, the more I realize everyone feels this why. Honestly, it's a rare occasion where I meet a person (especially our age) who knows what the eff they want to do FOREVER. It's so frustrating that we're just expected to choose one! So don't feel bad or confused or alone, because my dear, we're all freaking multi-passionate and should flaunt it!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:31:48 +0000

I agree with / love everything about this post. I just graduated in May so I'm going through the process of trying to “start at the bottom” somewhere, but it all starts to feel so overwhelming when I think about the fact that there are about a million different jobs I want to try to do. Good to see I'm not alone.

By: Being “Multi-Passionate” Does Not Mean Flaky | Marian Schembari

Being “Multi-Passionate” Does Not Mean Flaky | Marian Schembari — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:56:33 +0000

[...] that not only does it not matter, but you don’t have to choose just one thing. I know I’ve written about this before, but this is the first time I’ve been super-okay with that. I really enjoy what I do – [...]

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 07:32:02 +0000

Great article!

By: Lisa

Lisa — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 03:32:02 +0000

Great article!

By: Lori Dreyer

Lori Dreyer — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:31:50 +0000

Dear Marian,
Great post…As a boomer though a late boomer…I think that we get labeled incorrectly …Most of my friends are many things..and many of us are trying to change careers too. It can be as hard to change careers as it is too break into a career. I know people who are trying to do something they do not have “that particular degree for” but have experiance actually doing the job….and find that the job goes to a 20 something out of college with “that degree” and no experience….Hmmm what’s up with that? the company will pay the no to little experiance alot less….Anyway..How did your Mom do it? Sounds like you have a great example?? WE all face barriers and I compeltely AGREE that mentality is so FRUSTRATING…..!!!! I think that the HR people who do the hiring are the people who need to get on board ..as they say…but they have to adhere to all sorts of federal and state regs in terms of discrimination etc. I think that is why people start their own companies. Good luck no matter what!! It is a journey!

By: Melissa Breau

Melissa Breau — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:35:05 +0000

Hi Marian, I came across this article today and immediately thought of you and this blog post. Check it out – the author is also on Brazen.

http://www.more.com/2009/9171-confessions-of-a-serial-reinventor

By: admin

admin — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 20:09:20 +0000

Cathy, that is an excellent way at looking at it and really wonderful advice. Thank you for your insightful comment!

By: Cathy

Cathy — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:00:05 +0000

“There’s this assumption that when we choose one thing, we’re then incompetent at others.”

That can be true — if people don’t know you. They won’t be willing to put their own career and reputation on the line to see outside the cookie cutter lines of their ideal experience profile.

When I’ve been most able in my career to make “weird” leaps (like going from being a secretary to an HR consultant) has been those times when I’ve connected with people who know my work ethic and so were willing to take a chance on me.

That said, I lost my IT job last May and have decided to start my own biz in coaching/writing. That means creating a whole new network since my current network sees me as an IT person. I don’t want to pursue that path any more! :D

So, I would tell anyone in college or in their 20′s, pursue as many of your interests as you can find the time to do so. Jump in, participate, build those relationships with those cops, bakers, photographers, so that when you’re my age (48) your network won’t be as narrow as mine was. It’s never too late — but it’s never too early either!

Best of luck! (And, BTW, your mom sounds like she rocks!)

By: Gia

Gia — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 13:36:59 +0000

This is a great post and exactly how I feel at 23. You’ve really hit the nail on the head. Best of luck to you in all your future endeavors.