A couple of years ago, I started a discussion in the Puttytribe, asking the puttypeep to help me come up with a list of classic multipod behaviors and situations. What followed was a hilarious conversation that in turn led to a Puttylike blog post called You Know You’re a Multipotentialite when…
Well, that Puttytribe discussion is still going; it’s one of the most popular conversations in the Puttytribe. So I figured it was about time we published the second instalment of You Know You’re a Multipotentialite When…!
You Know You’re a Multipotentialite When…
- You hear an ad on the radio for an amateur competition. It’s something you always wanted to try. You get really excited about the idea. Until the end of the ad when they say, “open to kids aged 12 to 18.” And you think, “Why do kids get to have all the fun?”
- You tell someone 1/10th of the stuff you’ve done and they say, “Is there anything you haven’t done?” Then you realize you forgot to tell them about the time you were a spy… or an aerial dancer… or a million other things you forget to give yourself credit for.
- You’re applying for job #2 in field B in order to get out of job #1 from field A, while you’re already researching possible jobs (yes, plural) #3 in fields C, D, E, F, G, and H that could be the successor of job #2, which you don’t even have yet.
- You can easily name a dozen different careers that you’d love to try out, and you know exactly how and where you could get the necessary qualifications for each of them… if only you had the time and money.
- You tell someone your day job, and utter confusion contorts their face. They struggle to reconcile the skills you’ve displayed with the skills required for your job, and finally say, “I never would have guessed that.”
- You come up with another idea for a new business, design the product, brand it, market it, put it out into the world, hire some friends to work with you, get a nice office in a loft space overlooking a new city, redesign the website, release an app, eventually sell a few shares in your wildly successful company to some big-shot VCs (without selling out), so you can buy a nice house to move into with your significant other and get a dog… all while keeping the company running… and continuing to go to work every day with a big smile on your face… …all while having a shower! ;)
- You can’t settle for writing one answer on this thread.
- You have too many business cards, and are never sure which one to give to people.
- You read one page of comments on “you know you’re a multipod when…,” write your comment, realize you’ve missed a couple of pages of the thread, see Doug’s link on the page you’re taken to after adding your comment, pointing to another thread, so you go and devour that, all the while thinking of ways to programatically merge both threads into one super-thread, plus design some AI for the comments system on the website, which will suggest an existing thread that you should really be posting a comment to, so you don’t miss other people’s discussions in future.
- Your home library looks like a used book store, and you can’t ever seem to figure out a good way to arrange your books.
- You’re in 4 different social groups and on the fringes of others, several of which have instinctive tribal loathing towards one another. You have to lie about where your ideas come from, because the sources are often verboten. But you realize how similar in mindset the groups actually are.
- In the span of a day, you go from working on your business to laying down vocals on a new song to a going to a dance rehearsal to planning 5 international trips to researching climate change to reading one (or all) of 10 books you’re “super excited about” to helping a friend to meditating to journaling to researching tiny homes to wondering why no one gets all that you do (except for the Puttytribe)!
Thanks to all the puttypeep who have contributed to this discussion over the years. Let’s keep it going!
Over to You
Which classic multipod situations have you found yourself in? Share them in the comments below.
Joanna James-Lynn is a virtual assistant, podcaster, blogger, and writer. She’s fascinated by personality, identity, and self-awareness – themes she explores in her podcast, Introspectology and on her blog. She’s also a linguist and a runner, and she’s currently writing a book about same-sex weddings. Find out more about her projects at JoannaJamesLynn.com or follow her on Twitter @joannajameslynn.
Classic one from last week where my brother in law congratulated me on my new business venture and I excitedly tell him some more info about it while his eyebrow slowly rises and I realise that that I’m talking about this week’s brainwave that i am diving full tilt into I have not seen him since last week’s brain wave. What happened to X business? He asked, “oh no that one is fine……. ” (all set up with website and business cards in 2 weeks lol)
Amazing!
Omg, #1 all day long! LOL I’m pretty sure kids get to have all the fun because so many adults don’t try new things until after they’re retired and bored. I just joined an art club and at 42 I’m by far the youngest person there!
So, so true! I hope your art club is fun!
You keep hearing from your supervisor that you’re doing great but you really need to focus on ONE thing. And while you love your work this makes you wonder whether it’s the right work place for you…
Meh. Maybe you need an employer who values multipotentiality :)
Yep, I’m going to talk about it (she means well, I know…), but if that won’t help..
The funny thing is that they’re actually awarding me a special bonus for doing so many things. And at the same time telling me I should commit to one thing :))))
#1 #3 #7 #8 #10 #11
That is all…hmmm
#8 not exactly, but I have 10 versions of my resume to highlight different skills so I can apply for the relevant job title.
Have you seen the Puttylike series on resume writing? Could be worth googling it. :)
So true, and the wanting to sign up for art classes thing! I actually wanted to take a painting class but I am teaching knitting on one night and fiber Arts on another, so I thought my life couldn’t handle it, then the photography teacher comes in and says “Next term schedule the knitting class on a different night other than my class so I can take it!” I think I found a fellow multi-pod!
Woop!
#4 since forever and #5, 6, 11, 12… lol
…when a friend who wants to help, because she knows you’re unsatisfied in your current positon, sends you a job offer she just saw on the Intranet of her company and encourage you to apply; but then you tell her you have none of the required qualifications for the job and that you never did anything like this before: “Oh. [genuinely puzzled look here] Really?”…
But you apply all the same because it sounds fun and challenging!
Oh, what a lovely friend! :D
“…all while taking a shower.” That’s so me, along with most of the other statements! Love knowing there are others out there :)
It’s me too :D
… when I check a list of online courses on a learning platform to enroll in a specific one I heard of, and end up reorganizing my schedule to take part in about 5 courses in parallel, about 5 totally different topics of course ;-)
This! I got a catalogue through the door for evening classes recently and I daren’t open it because I’ll want to sign up for all of them!
I had that with Coursera. On my latest list were:
Introduction to Search Engine Optimization
The American South: its stories, music and art
Modern Art & Ideas
Fundamentals of Graphic Design
Successful negotiation: essential strategies and skills
Plagues, witches and war: the worlds of histoircal fiction
Advertising and society
Inspiring Leadership
Managing Talent
People Analytics
Omg, the last one for sure. Doing a startup for 1 product, learning a language in the morning, going to an economic conference during the day, helping a friend on an event for fundraising at night, talking to a girlfriend on fb celebrating their success, oh yes- no one gets it..
It’s all good fun though!
I have done engineering in mechanical and has done job in customer support associate and planning to go into department of archeaology. I love bikes and long trips and I told my dad that I am interested in becoming chef..and my dad was like……..WTF is wrong with u…?
just LOL! *hugs*
You’re in the right place :D
Oh my soul LMAO!
Number 10! ahahaha! A used book store plus lots of things which half work and are half broken, lots of nearly finished projects etc.
When they ask you “what do you do?”
and you start sweating
– or –
When they ask you “what do you do?”
and you tell them the truth
and they start sweating
bwaaaaaah! I say this in solidarity brother!
I really do seek, at this point, to settle down and hone in. I , we all on the planet, have so many gifts. I need to start making a comfortable income . To realize one’s authentic self and live it is one thing but I am tired of mktg. probably the wrong way as I live in a very rural area by choice.
Have you tried Emilie’s Overarching Theme Kit? Could be a good place to start.
Have you read this? http://puttylike.com/so-what-do-you-do/
LOL!
Ok… Number 2 is so true and always has been that I don’t EVEN think of dropping a word of my skills yes that I have acquired out of utter unstoppable curiosity . Jesus! Yes I was a commercial fisherwoman in south-central Alaska for 8 years and an Iditarod dog musher in the winter and a professional costume builder all over the PNWest. I DID make my own clothing line for mushers and fishermen and put myself through 2 college degrees.That is the small story..And yes I just consciously breathed for 15 continuous (or should I say contiguous?) then did some stretching and weeding by my baby pool before I get ready to go walk a pup and then play music with old timer hillbillies in the hollow tonight….. IM NOT CRAZY. Im ALIVE and authentically existing here. And, ( “never start a sentence with and!!”) having a darn great time… Of course Im contemplating Hawaii for the winter or back to my old Seattle next month. Gotta love choices! Love my own mind. It’s such an entertaining place to be.
It sounds like you’re having the time of your life!
Oh wow, this whole list is so SO me…hilarious!!! And amazing how similar a bunch of people can be…sometimes labels can be a great thing…feels great to have found the empowering tribe label “multipotentialites” to describe so many of my formerly misunderstood quirks. I love being this way and it’s not ADD or a disorder! It’s fun and beautiful!
It’s so cool to be surrounded by similar (but also totally different) people in the Puttytribe. :D
#2
Just last week I was in a meeting with 2 co-workers and I got onto the topic of coaching rowing back in the day. One co-worker said, “It’s like every time I talk to you, I find out about this other piece of your crazy past where you’ve done all these completely different things.”
#10
Well, there’s a rough organization on the main bookshelves (stacked two deep and every possible configuration) in the hallway, but then there are the wall mounted shelves where I cluster the lighter books, not necessarily in a meaningful way, and then the cabinet that hides the really heavy texts and books too big to fit on standard shelves…
Yup: unorganized used book store. Oh the dust! The dust!!
#11
I know my different social circles aren’t exactly compatible, but once a year, I invite everyone I can think of to join me for Chinese New Year dim sum. Every year, more and more people decide to come, and now, people are inviting their friends, too. We had ~40 people at 4 tables, and because not everyone came at the same time, common friends were forced to split apart and meet people they didn’t know. It’s like I’m hosting a party, but not at my house and not for endless hours. Only regret is not being able to listen in on everyone’s conversations at the same time!
I could comment on the rest, too, but I’ve got some exploring to get to!
:D So much fun being like this!
…know all the coursis and learning options in the learning center of the company you work for after a month of being there much better than those that had been working in that company for 15 years or more.
…after working a month in a company you want to re-organized all it´s structure.
:D
I have that book problem–and could open a used book store. (My husband wants me donating books-how dare he!)
I find myself searching for new career paths constantly. For example, I will think “hey, I enjoy organizing and planning…I could be a project manager.” And seriously start looking for ways to further my education and skills so I can do that. Of course I don’t count the countless other things I’m “certified” in. (Dog training certified, associate in insurance, masters degree in theology.)
I went the Kindle route, so I’m doing ok. But gradually creeping back up with the physical books!
12 definitely and I see no issue with that. Doesn’t everyone do that in one day? Oh yeah, No. And 2 Oh. My. God 2 but didn’t realise till now. But all the time. What people only have one job for life. But think of all they are missing out on. There is so much more out there. You just have to leap. Yippee!!!
:D
Oh wow! I think there was only one of those that I didn’t relate to. My god!!
Most days I feel like my life has been so unproductive … I need to come and read this post on those days to remind myself how much I have really done. ( I know that probably not the point of this post but it’s what comes to mind after reading it)
Yes, it’s amazing when you look back and think of all the things you’ve done. :D
This!!! I feel this so much. Number 1 and 4. I’ll see ads for a baseball team sing up and be like ooooh but of course for kids. Cool new thing – for kids. Scholarships to school – for kids. Interns – for “kids”.
It’s like they figure once you finish schooling you are never going back to learn new things. I want to learn ALL the things!! I just need someone to teach me.
(It’s hard to explain to people that yes I got a degree in engineering but now I wanna go to art school and learning dance seems fun, how bout that trumpet playing.)
Yes! A few years ago I wanted to take another GCSE or A level, in art. I didn’t realise when I was at school and we didn’t have to pay, that they cost hundreds and thousands of pounds each! I wish I could go back and make the most of that time!
Number one – about the competition only open to young kids *that’s so ageist!* And really not fair. I remember a few years back taking my career-option hunting teenage son to a film school open day. He thought everyone was weird and I was egging him to so do it – as my mum wouldn’t let me do something creative ergo: that wasn’t a ‘real job.’ The course was a year long. And I topped my class (helps being older and not rocking up to classes hungover). Thing is, there really is no money in it (not in Australia anyway) and it’s sexist and ageist. So not a good combo when I’m already a tad diabolical with my waxing and waning interest levels. Still, I’ve done it and worked in it. Didn’t make it to Jacques Tati level… but Life is long. I also figured film could be good for me as there are multiple worlds within the universe; camera department, art department, writing, directing, sound, music, editing, distribution, producing (project management) and I jump around in those areas as my past skills come into play and people wonder how I did it! *synthesis*
By the way, anyone else have multiple LinkedIn profiles?
*I’ll betray nothing of my feelings beyond a wistful sigh and half-concealed smirk*
I don’t use LinkedIn much, but we had a workshop on how to use it as a multipotentialite in the Puttytribe. Some great tips!
I know I am a multipod when I go to a used book fair and after 20 minutes, I have three boxes of books with at least one book from every single section and more cookbooks than any human could ever use.
I am always in the middle of at least 10 books. I have them scattered about my house so no matter where I sit down, there is a book I am reading right there. And it isn’t done intentionally. Oh, did I mention I am in the middle of another 50 books on my Kindle app?
One more book related item. I went through a divorce about 15 years ago and I had to put most of my stuff into storage. The bulk of it was boxes of books. I had well over 100 boxes of just books. I also had boxes of magazines and sheet music. After a dispute with the owner of the storage facility, he sold off everything in my unit. I grieve to this day.
Ouch. That is so painful!
I’m similar with books – I’m partway through about 20. But I’m more towards minimalism, so I just can’t let myself get too many hard copies. It would stress me out. :)
The Puttylike, such a great diacovery for me! I have mentioned already that it was shocking for me. All those years trying to see how I could explain the others that there are soooo many things of interest for me. All these years saying to others, well I do this in one of my worlds, but I have several other worlds into which I live, so, which one would you like me to explain? Usually I end up explaininf only one or maybe two of those worlds, but always thinking: So, it’s only me that acts like that? So, my next move: working in creating a headhunting which helps multipods to accommodate into companies which might need us!
Ooh, that sounds great!
You know, I’d been thinking about the possibility (or maybe already existence?) of an online job board especially to bring employers together with multipods. If employers want someone with an odd or rich combination of skills, that’s where they need to go!
Does a website like that exist? Anyone know?
I take a lot of pride in my eclectic book collection, whenever one of my work friends asks what I’m reading their normally not expecting whatever answer I give them.
I just wish all my 100+ kindle titles where on the shelf at home with all the other random but incredibly useful (well to me anyway) titles but it’s the cheapest and easiest way for me to info binge on the fly as I spend a fair amount of time out of phone range working remotely.
If you can’t simultaneously read 10 books on 10 completely different subjects your not a multipotentialite lol…….
Thank goodness for Kindles!
You know you’re one when your wife or loved one tells you – “That’s enough!”
Hopefully in a playful and not annoyed way!
You know you’re a multipod when your vision is so far outside the box, you can’t remember where the box is most of the time.
:D
Almost all of them describes me. As I just discovered your site and am very new to this, how do I handle the downsides?! Like #6, I can’t possibly count the business ideas I’ve developed but never launched. And it kind of hurts to never (not the truth but a strong feeling) finish anything. Is there a self help program or something? Thanks for a great page!
I’d recommend digging through the old posts here. Emilie’s covered so many aspects of multipotentiality over the years. She also has a few ebooks and courses to help people start businesses they’ll stick with, etc. And of course there’s the Puttytribe if you need a supportive community. :)
i love you guys… laugh myself to death when reading these 12 clues… each of them rings a bell about a memory of mine, just like reading my life story in 12 sections :)))))
:D
#s 4, 8, 10, 11, 12 for sure and shades of all the others!!!!
How about this one… You know you’re a multipotentialite when you can only deliver your “elevator speech” if you’re traveling at least a dozen floors! :-)
NICE!
One time, I decided I wanted to try to learn some Arabic. I found this great website where you can have people who speak the language you want to learn help you. I found a few Arabic speakers, but then I also had people from other countries wanting me to help them with their English. I ended up trying to learn Arabic, Hindi, and Urdu at the same time! Then, I was getting fascinated in more countries. I spent many hours reading up on all these different cultures and looking at pictures. I would constantly be curious about a new language. I’m guessing that’s a Multipotientialite thing?
I do admire all of you who had higher education and leanreled so many things. I have always been too scared to for knowing how I am. I can easily be so extremely interested in something and then suddenly it’s gone and somethings else looks better. Always been afraid of the debt I’d have and not have anything to show for it. As of now, I so want to seriously dive into Sign language, but my fear keeps me from going for it.:(
Wow. That sounds intense! And sign language sounds really, really fun. That’s on my list too!
8. You have too many business cards, and are never sure which one to give to people.
I JUST gave up carrying multiple business cards or trying to focus on one of my sites over another. I’m a writer. I write. I write what I feel like writing that day, but audiences need structure. Solution?
The Hub Site: One business card for all of my sites. I can run as many divergent blogs as I see fit (focused for audiences) but still have one business card.
Darrell G. Wolfe
Story Teller | INFJ | Intellection | Learner | Ideation | Achiever | Input | Multipotentialite
Great idea. I’m pretty much using my site in the same way now. :)
Hahahaaa, I’m loving this website!! Finally I make sense!
We have this “bit” with my partner where on a weekly (daily) basis I go: “Hey, I have an idea!” and he replies “Of course you do” Then I go on to tell him my new (business) idea, ask him to secure me a domain and make me a logo (he’s a designer, lucky me), I whip up a website and by the end of the week I have another business / brand / product :D Some of them stick, some don’t but who’s counting!
My friends wonder how one can be a business consultant, life coach, yoga teacher and a dive master, and I wonder why not cause this is just the START of it all, I still have +40 years to collect skills (I hope). I’m thinking maybe a PhD next on something cool.
Thanks again, this page cheered me right up! :)
Woop! Your life sounds like so much fun!
when you meet a midwife, a lawyer, a therapist (and so on…) and sincerely think you would be great at these jobs…
(so great to write this, I see clearly my counselor pattern ! (INFJ too !)
I was thinking midwifery would be cool the other day! :D
Slightly off-topic, but had a nice multipod recognition moment when I ran into a guy in the kitchen at work who I hadn’t seen before.
I introduced myself, and he said ‘I work 3 terms out of 4 so you might not have seen me’. I asked him what he does with his free term, and he’s writing a novel. Told him I worked part-time too and I do music (etc) in my days when I’m not here. He said ‘Oh great, I’m in a band as well and I’m learning the harmonica!’ Good chap!
Also, I couldn’t decide which website for which project to put down…!
I love the idea of sabbatical-type things like that. :)
My day job hasn’t changed much but makes it possible for me to afford to do the many things I love because I don’t want to give any of them up. In my spare time I go to art class, am a hobby photographer, volunteer in an animal shelter, blog, and my bookshelves are full of travel, art, photography, dog behaviour, food, french/italian language cds and crime fiction books.
Recently I decided to study marketing with the aim of changing my career, it took me a couple of years to decide because I kept thinking I should study ancient history, fine art, photography, writing or italian/french. I’m a little relieved that my procrastination has resulted in deferred enrolment because I’ve been commissioned to draw a couple of dogs and a cat :-)
I thought i am normal. I feel stressed out thinking what should i do next. I get excited when everything is new to me and when i started to master the job i started feeling bored. I was really worried ‘coz i still cant find what really makes me stay in one job and i will be happy doing. I bet i am one of the multipotenialite. =P
Registered as an Engineering freshman, had so many electives in different and unrelated departments,my sponsor complained about my high tuition fees. I changed my majors at least four times and eventually graduated in Finance and Investments.
I work in financial services, I’m a blogger, I do freelance work, I’m a guitarist and am working on a music album, after writing this I’m going to find out how I can import a hang drum and learn how to play it, I’m learning how to trade stocks and and and…..
My poor wife struggles, I always feel sorry for her, its a bit much LOL. On the plus side however, I’ve just discovered this awesome blog and I’m sending her a link. Turns out its a thing LOL :-)
I agree. I’m a communication major but I want to do TV, film, movies, radio behind the scenes, in front of camera, theatre, act, design, run my own business