It's not often that you meet someone and you know straight away they’ve found their passion. In my episode with cinematographer Edward Hiscox, I knew this instantly. He arrived at the recording with his camera around his neck and enthusiasm in his eyes when talking to me about cinematography.
We went for a coffee beforehand to catch up and within minutes he was looking for photo opportunities and told me he never goes anywhere without his camera.
It is when I spend time around people like this, who are so energised and captivated by what they do, that I feel the most excited to learn more from them and about them.
I find it amazing how so many people can go through their lives without having found their ‘thing’.
Most people don't even know how they'd start to figure out what they even like to do for their life, but those who do recognise that they have been blessed with something that gives them joy and the potential to achieve great things.
“Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one”
20’s & 30’s:
I’ve thought deeply recently about how I feel regarding the quote, “Jack of all trades, master of none, though oftentimes better than a master of one”. I find ways to agree and disagree on many levels and think that through one’s life, it is applicable at different stages.
Being someone who hasn't necessarily focused in on one specific skill I sometimes resonate with the idea of being a ‘Jack of all trades’.
It seems a good thing when you are young (in your 20s) to be a ‘Jack of all trades’ as you learn to be adaptable and helpful in several ways. You can flow between roles and develop a lot of knowledge over a range of topics to a reasonable level.
You can blend between industries and use adaptable skills to progress quickly simply by understanding the basic premises of many skills ensuring you move forward towards a good intermediate-level service level.
With a ‘Jack of all trades’, on average, you have the ability to progress to a certain level and I think that peaks around the good intermediate level.
It is at this point a ‘Master of One’ comes into their own because, despite the fact they have a more limited range of skills elsewhere, they have a high level of knowledge and skillset in one area which enables them to move towards expert levels in that practise.
It seems applicable that a ‘Master of One’ becomes relevant when you enter your 30s as it is at this point when you look to start making a relative impact in your career and life that could change how you live the rest of your life.
Reflection:
It is at this point, when I am at the precipice of 30, that I am considering this idea in greater detail.
I’ve spent my 20s jumping around learning many skills across a range of industries and becoming useful in a world where one can build a living as a freelance contractor providing a range of services to a range of different clients.
I am a firm believer in not comparing myself to others and that we all run our own races therefore turning 30 shouldn't be a big deal in my timeline. But, I’ve got to a point where I believe if I want to progress to that higher level of expertise then I might need to narrow my field to enable me to do so and doing it at the start of my 30s might be wiser than at the end.
I look at those who’ve spent time focusing on one area with elements of envy that they are so obsessed and focused and so ready to accelerate forward to an inevitable level of mastery.
Speaking to Edward about his journey and focus on cinematography made me consider how much longer I could take the path of the ‘Jack of all trades’. His progress and passion have grown year on year and he is at a point where those in his industry respect and rely on him to lead and deliver on important work.
I am currently at a point of pause and consideration with my career wondering about my next steps and looking towards someone like Edward as a shining light of influence and someone I can learn a lot from.
Listen to this whole episode on Spotify and YouTube.
I am Will Flindall, host of the Valley of Outlaws Podcast where I speak to those who have decided to take control of their life and follow a passion or instinct.
If you feel like you could be getting more from your life, then maybe one of the conversations I’ve had with the Outlaws might help you kickstart a change.
Peace x
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