The myth of having one career: Why it’s okay to be interested in more than one thing
Ever been asked, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and not had a clear answer? If that question fills you with dread or uncertainty, you’re not alone. There’s a common expectation that we should all have one clear, focused career path. But life is rarely that simple and this TED talk, titled “Why It’s Okay to Have Multiple Career Interests”, explains why not having one singular answer is perfectly normal — and even beneficial.
Gone are the days when the ideal career trajectory was a straight line from school to retirement. The world is evolving and so are the ways we think about work. Instead of boxing yourself into a single job or industry, why not embrace multiple passions? This TED talk dives into how being a “multipotentialite” (yes, there’s a word for it!) is actually an advantage and reveals their three superpowers: Idea Synthesis (combining two or more fields and creating something new at the intersection), Rapid Learning (going fast and less afraid, combining the skills picked up along the way) and Adaptability (morphing into whatever you need to, given the circumstances).
Embrace your curiosity
We’re often told to focus on one thing, to specialise, to be an expert in a single field. But what about those of us who have many interests? Whether it’s writing, coding, teaching, or even a fascination with marine biology, the speaker makes a compelling case that having a range of interests doesn’t mean you’re lost — it means you’re curious. And curiosity can lead to innovation, creativity and a fulfilling life.
By tapping into different skills and passions, you can build a unique career that incorporates all your interests. The talk points out that in today’s world, careers aren’t linear; people switch fields, start side projects, or even create new roles that didn’t exist before. So, if you’re interested in architecture but also have a knack for photography, there’s no reason you can’t do both. In fact, blending those skills might just give you an edge.
The power of diversity
One of the key takeaways from this talk is that having varied interests can make you more adaptable. In a world where industries change rapidly, having multiple skills means you’re not tied to just one job or profession. You’re versatile. You can pivot. And you bring a diverse perspective to whatever you do. The speaker highlights that many of history’s greatest minds were polymaths — people who excelled in various fields. Think of Leonardo da Vinci: artist, scientist, inventor. His varied interests weren’t a distraction; they were his superpower.
It’s all about connections
Another fascinating point from the talk is how people with multiple interests tend to be great at connecting ideas. If you’re a software developer who also loves psychology, you might come up with an innovative app that taps into human behaviour in a way no one else could. Or maybe your love for music combined with your engineering skills leads you to design the next great instrument. By blending your passions, you can create something truly unique.
So, what’s the takeaway?
If you don’t know exactly what you want to be when you grow up, that’s okay. If you want to be many things, that’s even better. The talk encourages you to lean into your passions, follow your curiosity and not be afraid to explore new avenues. Whether it’s starting a new project, learning a new skill, or even changing careers entirely, the world is wide open for people with diverse interests.
So next time someone asks, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, feel free to smile and say, “A bit of everything.” Because, really, why limit yourself to just one thing? See the link for the complete TED talk: https://t.ted.com/XLcllSM