RE: Why You Don’t Need a Life Calling to be Successful (Or: The Frustrations of a Multipotentialite)
I took 8 years to complete my bachelors, after changing majors 3 times, and ended up graduating with 3 majors and 2 minors. Now, I'm going into a PhD program for one of my minors, history, and while I do that, I'm going to keep writing, knitting, drawing, and baking, because I love doing all of those things. Sometimes they are hobbies, and sometimes side hustles—I've sold articles, essays, art, and knit hats before—but always they are things I love doing, and I don't want to give them up. I've worked at a dentist's, in the city planning offices, student government, nonprofits, and student affairs, and I learned something at each of those jobs, skills and knowledge that I've carried with me and used to add value to my work in other fields. I wouldn't give up being a multipotentialite for anything, even when I get stressed about not achieving what mainstream society thinks I ought. Yes, sometimes I worried, but the experiences I've had have been so fulfilling and worthwhile! I'm excited for where I'll go next, and I'm glad to see other multipotentialites owning their gifts joyfully.
Plus, studying Sumerian at Yale? That's pretty badass, no matter what anyone else thinks. Go you!
Clearly, there's something wrong with mainstream society if they would think for one minute that anyone so accomplished has not achieved enough! I think the history majors and PhDs like us are often multipotentialites. Makes committing to a life of academia difficult, though. At least that was my experience.
For sure. I'm excited for my doctoral studies, but also worried about having time for hobbies. My art and poetry often serve as de-stressing activities, and I know that will be important in grad school!