Genre Busters™
Life was simpler in my dad’s day. So, were careers.
My dad dropped out of school after grade 8, so he could help out on the family farm. Remember, this was during the “Great Depression”. When the farm sold the family moved into town and my dad got a job in a grocery warehouse. Then at age 17 he ‘ran away’, lied about his age, and joined the Army so he could fight in the War — and maybe kill a few of his German cousins (my dad is 2nd generation German).
When he returned from the war there wasn’t a lot of future in working for the grocery warehouse. When my mother became pregnant, with twins yet, he needed to find a better paying job. So, he left small town Saskatchewan and moved to Sudbury, Ontario and a future job as a nickle miner. Fate intervened and my mother died a month after my sister and I were born. So, my dad moved again. This time to Calgary, Alberta, where his parents could help him care for and raise the wee babes.
Since there weren’t any nickle mines in Calgary, or any other kind for that matter, my dad decided to become a carpenter. Calgary was just beginning to see the first blushes of its building boom. So, what better thing to do than learn how to be a carpenter. And, that’s what he did for the rest of his career. In fact, even to this day he still does a lot of carpentry work.
I remember when I was a teenager, struggling to figure out what I wanted to be when I grew up, so I asked my dad for career advice. He said something like this, “I don’t care what you do. Do whatever you want. But, whatever you do. Don’t get a job where you have to wear something like a carpenter’s apron!”
At that time, being a carpenter, or something like that wasn’t something my dad would recommend.
But, what else could you do?
You found a job. Usually, a conventional job. And, you stuck with it…till you retired or it killed you.
Your career was defined by one thing. You fit in one box. You were a carpenter. Or, a miner. Or, a farmer. Or, whatever.
There was no such thing as being multitalented.
Or, god forbid, having a multitalented or multifaceted career.
It’s kind of like writing.
You get know for a genre. Say, mystery or science ficition or historical.
What happens when like Diana Gabaldon you write a compelling novel that doesn’t fit in the predefined categories. Her first novel, Outlander, was more than a Romance. It was a historical, romance, featuring a time travelling heroine and a young Scots hero, alleged to be an outlaw who fall in love and lead us on many advetures which lead our hero and heroine eventually to America and the Revolution. But, where ought this novel be shelved? More than Romance. Not just Fantasy or Science Fiction. What was its Genre?
As it turned out Gabaldon was a member of that career class I call Genre Bustersâ„¢
When you don’t fit in a single career category, then you too are a candidate for being a member of Genre Bustersâ„¢.
You’re not just a coach. You’re a coach / writer / photographer / painter. Or, figure skater / choreographer / painter like Toller Cranston.
So, how about you?
Are you a member of that elite group called Genre Bustersâ„¢
Tags: creative professionals, multitalented, multitalented professionals
Hi, How are you?
I have just been rejected by a company for a great job, I guess because of the compensation packge.
Do you know where I can find some info which telling you how do write a smart reply, in order to let them give me one more chance and I also wish to keep a good relationship with them in the future.
Thank you.
What a great word – Genrebuster… Yes, I reckon I’m one of them, having worked in every sector. I think I’m going to have to start using the term… Thanks for the great ideas – love reading your blog.
Hi L!
What a great word! Very creative! And a ppropos! That’s me. I usually say Jack-or Jaclyn of all trades, master of..But, I think I am! Master of lots! Nifty word!
Thanks!
Marcia
Turning midlife into the RIGHT Life! (TM)
http://www.eCareerCorner.com
Thanks Marcia!
Now, if ONLY we could do ALL those things at once!
What fun!
Happy Genre Busting!
L
I have been in this catagory doing many different things always. I even seem to have 10 different careers every half hour!
Some of my many careers at this time are Article Writer, Gourmet Candle Cosultant, Graphic/Web Designer, HouseCleaning/Organizing Business, Faux Finisher/Decorative Painter, Owner/Marketeer Computer Repair Business.
I really do all these so I keep busy. I wish I had time to read the pile of books I started!
I have been in this catagory doing many different things always. I even seem to have 10 different careers every half hour!
Some of my many careers at this time are Article Writer, Gourmet Candle Cosultant, Graphic/Web Designer, HouseCleaning/Organizing Business, Faux Finisher/Decorative Painter, Owner/Marketeer Computer Repair Business.
I really do all these so I keep busy. I wish I had time to read the pile of books I started!
Wow! I just found this site through a link from another, and I feel like I am home. I did not think there were any others taking “The Road Less Traveled” like myself. Being a genre buster is a lonely thing most times. Everyone else is too scared to take the “leap of faith” it takes to try different routes or trying something new. I was a very successful stylist for 8 years, and left a 6 figure job with a solid following because I knew there was something more for me. I am now trying my hand at a start-up upscale children’s web boutique, featuring luxury crib and baby blankets (among other things) that I design and make myself. I would also love to have my children’s stories published. These stories all involve characters that possess some type of physical or mental disability, to help children relate to others who are different and need special attention etc. They are adorable, fun, and all contain the message of a life lesson. It’s on my list of things to do! Like everyone else, I am determined to keep going and to find time to achieve all of my dreams! So great to have found this site, and the stories of others that make me feel a little less alone!