Why Do We Despise The Jack Of All Trades?
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- Опубликовано: 1 окт 2023
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Roger is tired of people telling him to stick to plumbing. It's rant time.
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Hello to @plumberparts
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A polymath is an individual who possesses expertise or knowledge in various subjects or fields, often across disciplines that include arts, sciences, mathematics, and humanities. Historically, polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, and Hildegard of Bingen have made significant contributions in multiple domains due to their broad and deep understanding of various subjects.
Similarly, a "jack of all trades" refers to a person who is competent in many skills, albeit may not necessarily be an expert in any of them. However, this term is often followed by “master of none,” suggesting that while a person may have a wide range of skills, their knowledge in each area might not be deep or specialized.
Benefits of Being a 'Jack of All Trades':
Adaptability: Jacks of all trades can quickly adapt to different roles and responsibilities, which is particularly valuable in changing or uncertain environments.
Problem-solving: With a diverse skill set, these individuals can approach problems from various angles, often finding innovative solutions that specialists might overlook.
Lifelong Learning: A natural curiosity and willingness to learn new things can lead to personal and professional growth throughout life.
Versatility: Being skilled in various areas makes you a versatile asset in many settings, especially in smaller organizations and startups where wearing multiple hats is common.
Interdisciplinary Understanding: A broad knowledge base allows for better integration and understanding of how different fields and disciplines intersect and relate, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Networking: Engaging with professionals and experts from various fields can expand your network and open up opportunities for collaboration and career development.
Reduced Dependency: With skills in multiple areas, you’re less dependent on others to complete various tasks and projects.
Improved Communication: Understanding the language and basics of different fields can facilitate better communication with specialists, making collaboration more effective and efficient.
Drawbacks:
However, it's also worth noting that there are drawbacks to being a "jack of all trades." For instance, the lack of specialization might lead to difficulty securing positions requiring deep expertise in a particular field. In some cases, a broad but shallow knowledge base might also limit the depth and quality of contributions in specific domains. Hence, balancing generalisation and specialisation is crucial, considering the unique requirements and expectations of each role and industry.
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#polymath #jackofalltrades #diy
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"A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one."
The fact that I've never heard the second part of that quote is telling.
Absolutely! We use it in the opposite sense to which it was intended
Same here
"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion"* is another that always gets cut short, and I've noticed the meaning change in recent years.
*"...., but not his own facts."
Perhaps you could learn to listen more effectively? A skill well worth mastering.
Firstly, I really enjoy your channel, secondly, I believe the term “competent person” has more value than “expert” in so many situations. Keep ranting brother! ❤️
Hi Roger, many years ago, as a developer I employed a young plasterer, who had had perhaps, 5 years experience on site, as a general building maintenance worker. I encourage him to try everything, and anything that occurred day to day, regardless, and without fear of failure, and after 40 years in my employ he had developed amazing skills, ranging from carpentry, tiling, bricklaying, headwork, plumbing, steel working, you name it, he could do it. Never be afraid to try and progress through mistakes. He's retired now but was irreplaceable, bless him!
I agree at 100% with you ! I am on my early 30s and doing exactly the same,trying on my property and if fail,wont cost anything to the customers.I am carpenter by trade,then continued to painting,then gardening,handyman,plumbing,plasterboarding,recently done tiling for a first time,and not afraid of trying and taking on new challenges.Thanks to Rodger,I am learning a lot for the damp too where this is helping me out to resolve damp issues too. The success is in"never give up and keep trying" I believe. 😊
The Americans do this , they call them "general contractors " but in the uk its stay in your lane. I started as a tiler. I now plaster. Started that because I was always being let down by plasterers coming in before me. Then went onto 2rd fix joinery hanging doors archs skirt. Then spent 7 years fitting bathrooms and fitting windows im currently fitting kitchens.
I am this man though in my case it was DIY. I’ve built my own car. Rebuilt engines that went on to go thousands of miles. Taught myself plumbing welding and wiring.
I can skim render and plaster but can’t lay bricks. I can do wood butchering but don’t have the kit to do a job that I would be proud of.
@@robertswaine6096TLDR
An American building contractor told me soooooo
Roger that Rog, if that was a rant, that was the finest I've ever heard since the days of Alexander the great
Love the differentiation between “education” and “intelligence”. Wildly different, especially when you start adding experience into the mix. I’ve brewed coffee, been a cowboy, picked up dead bodies, done sales, and am now the sole handyman for a wildlife center. I’ve had people scoff at my resume (CV) because it’s “too varied” but I’ve always made that argument of “look how trainable/flexible I am if I can do so many unrelated things”
When I applied for IT positions I ran into the attitude that I was only good for the trades that I worked to pay for college. Being told you are only an auto mechanic, you are only a welder, you are only a contractor, or you are only a machinist, and we need a computer professional. No mention about my degrees...
Of course being a Halfbreed here in the US and you can't possibly be college educated as Natives can't possibly be intelligent or have a college education...
I often times put my game accomplishments on my resume
I have been scoffed at for doing it before as well, and one time I got asked how games related to job experience
I replied that it demonstrated my ability to learn a very advanced control interface and demonstrated my diligence and dedication to perform a substantial feat using said complicated interface, and highlighted how being able to do so, made me qualified to learn and operate the very basic machinery they had which was far less complex
They were very unhappy and looked down on me, but were so desperate for employees that they hired me anyway.
I came in, learned their entire system in less than a week, and while still in the on job training phase, redesigned their system and improved efficiency by nearly 30% overall.
When they asked how I did it, I told them to go play some video games and earn something about proper design. Because they had something super simple being over complicated, and video games take something super complex and radically simplify it.
The phrase you were looking for was "widely different", not "wildly different". Up until a few decades ago, no one ever said "wildly different"--and its original use was as word-play, only meant as humor.
Handyman for a wildlife center sounds like a dream job to me.
Sounds like me. Stay Safe But Curious☺️
I'm college educated engineer. This guy is so correct. One of the best things I did as an engineer was to learn the trade skills of the teams I work with. I spent several years doing the actual trade work of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and welding and learning the associated skills, some to journeyman levels. It was a very humbling experience. It forced me to understand how to do their jobs, and therefore enabled me to take into account the building and maintainence processes into my projects.
God how I wish our engineers had ANY practical experience building the things they design for us.
Humbled an engineer one day almost cost him 50k but his initial wanna bet 10k turned to lunch real quick when my old man piped up backing me and said well let’s make it 50k so it’s worth our time if you want to bet 10k. Engineer did that knowing I wouldn’t have that much being a smart ass but my dad wanted to see how he liked it he also knew if he backed me for the 10k it was going to cause issues after I won business wise cause he wouldn’t want to pay then I’d of beat his ass 😂. Still wasn’t cheap we ate good that day.
I very much respect that. But if as a trades person one suggests that's a good idea one gets shouted down as an imbecile right quick.
@@hansmuller1625 Unfortunately, that happens a lot. It irritates me when engineers get so arrogant that they assume they are correct simply because they went to school. I always try to listen to my tradesmen because sometimes they are correct, and even if they aren't correct, it means they care about the job and doing it correctly.
Of course he is correct. I have no college education as an engineer, but I've been working as a delivery driver, IT tech, visual communication set up tech (window foils, neon signs, aluminium profiles, etc.), bulk material inspector, home appliances repair man and have now been working as a field service engineer for a big corporation that sells gauges and measurement systems for over 10 years. Yes, you read that right, I am signing my reports as an engineer, even though I never went to college. The higher ups call me a technician among themselves, but never called me that in direct communication, because their engineers call me for support when they can't solve a problem. My friends call me whenever they have a problem with their computers, cars, appliances, furniture, plumbing, electricity, etc. Do I get paid less because I never went to college? Of course not. An inquisitive mind, intelligence, problem solving skills and experience are much more important than a piece of paper that says you took a 4 year course in something. Don't get me wrong, education is very important, and we need specialists in every field, but I want to learn new skills as often as I can, and I believe that got me at where I am now.
"Specialization is for insects" - Robert Heinlein. Always agreed with this. I remember a construction related reality show - I think it was called Monster House, in which an assembled team of tradespeople fulfilled the fantasy home renovation request of a lucky contestant. One episode stood out, because this one fellow was truly great at everything; he no only saw the big picture, he paid attention to detail. He conducted his work with quiet confidence, grace, and efficiency. He garnered tremendous praise from his peers, the show narrator, and the TV audience. Nothing but respect for the guy.
I'd watch that. What episode?
Oh crumbs... sorry man, that was years ago. I wish I remembered! :(@@bhartley1024
me too
@@bhartley1024
Great books
One of my favorite quotes.
I’m a landscaper and web designer. I’ve also watched all the skill builder videos and refurbished my house. Several trades have said they can’t believe the quality of my work. All I do is research, buy the right tools and take my time. Saved tens of thousands this way.
I often see really good work done by people who have never attempted it before.
I've done this too. I must admit I rewatch the videos several times & make notes before attempting but everything I have done has been pretty decent.
It's often the taking your time that does it. I served a proper engineering apprenticeship back in the day, and it was multi-skilled. A builder friend saw my kitchen and bathroom tiling and said "If you could only work faster, you could double your income"
As a mechanical engineer with bachelor and master's degrees, the pay was poor, the recognition non-existent.
I developed and used my skills because I couldn't afford to hire a 'tradesman'.
Got into software engineering soon after.😂
@@normanbottI’m a property developer and a full stack web developer. I can also hang doors and do perfect tiling. I’ve even had tilers on my jobs comment on how well my bathrooms are tiled. The reason is, I can take as long as I need, whereas they need to make a living out of it.
I do think the attention to detail needed in IT helps when doing building work. It doesn’t help you go any faster, but it does help you get a meticulous finish.
Ditto same story as myself: Semi-retired online systems developer/consultant. Knowing your limits, but pushing the boundaries, simply means it costs you more time - something a Pro can't do so often simply because they have customer expectations.
My father, used to have several certifications . And in the United States you have to keep recertifying, so you have to keep paying for the privilege of working on whatever it is you have a license for. My dad was a certified welder. A certified plumber. Certified electrician, civilian and Industrial. He had a CDL for a while .. he also is extremely good at wood carving and carpentry. He's actually been published. He's been to school for electronics. My niece bought him a shirt that says if Oppa can't fix it we're all Screwed!!
your dad is korean ?:D
But of course he's Asian lol
@@raidoung4100 actually my Dad is white. And his family came to America in the 1613. So there are a couple of native Americans in the mix. And my mom was born in Germany, and is half German half Irish.
@@tuahsakato17 no, my Dad is not asian. His family is from England and Denmark. And came over in 1613. So there is a couple of Native Americans in the mix. Oppa is German for grandpa. My mom was born in Germany is half German and half Irish.
omg :D thanks for clarifying xD I thought the "Oppa" part referred to the korean Oppa xD@@ashleysanford8645
I was told growing up "if you want something done right, do it yourself" and its in my character to not ask for help. If I cant do something I learn and I asumed that was true for everyone but it's not.
I am 32 and have done all my own landscaping, patio laying, plumbing, electrical wiring (scares me, though I do know the principals). Before I got my motorbike I didn't know how to ride or one thing about mechanics, I now do all my own upkeep, tire change, sprocket, chain, oil changes, I've actually transformed the rear end of that bike myself. I taight myself how to use photoshop, 3ds max, maya and many other suits for graphic design professionally and I do that freelance. Jack of all trades? no, but If I need something done I will learn.
That's a really good username for you, considering the comment matter!
It looks like you’re doing it right. From my own experience I’ve found that I get the best workmanship from myself. I started learning from handyman books, and then from RUclips tutorials when that became a thing. It’s good to read there are other useful people out in the world.
I don't think this always works: I think it's more efficient to employ someone more skilled who needs to know this stuff long term
This! because no one cares as much for your stuff as you
@@BarriosGroupienot always, but sometimes yes
Years ago my Dad installed a central heating system into the house we had just moved into. He left the last two gas joints for the plumber to do, they were the only ones that failed the test before the system was certified. Dad was a naval ordinance electrical engineer.
So, a master of ....two
@@doodlegassum6959 not at all, that was merely an example of an ability to work out and achieve tasks outside his expertise, which I fortunately have inherited. I personally get bored very easily and probably have some form of undiagnosed ADHD, either that or I just enjoy novelty. Either way, every role I have worked in, from engineer to forester to data Comms and fibre optics, project management to gardening, I have been successful but moved on when the time was right. I even squeezed in a couple of degrees to see if I could do it. The only job I didn’t like, although it was pretty well paid, was sat in front of a computer all day amending technical drawings. I only lasted a month, when asked if I wanted t renew my contract I politely declined as I was bored shitless. I really couldn’t understand how people could do that sort of thing day in and day out without throwing themselves off the roof!
Not at all, his father was likely a master of a dozen trades...@@doodlegassum6959
I’m an electrical engineer on a ship. If anyone asks for help or fall I’ll get the job done unless it’s making breakfast always show up just in time to eat it myself. When the steward cut his hand last year I stepped in and saved Christmas with food and decorations. One of the navigators recently requested me to bake a cake because he missed the coffee sweets/desserts I made during last Christmas. Another time we almost didn’t get cleared to sail because we were lacking two AB’s and needed at least one person with that type of competence with cargo, crane and rescue boat to sail. Guess who saved the day. Also daily assist the mechanical engineer with his tasks but I don’t count that in as extra since we’re in the same department. I previously worked as a repair technician for insurance company, security and telecommunications systems, a short time as carpenter, military service.
Navy standards are very strict, Us Navy soldering standards are what NASA uses, it's the gold standard. Most consumer electronics fails the Navy standard for soldering. Basically anything done with lead free solder will fail because lead free solders cannot meet Navy quality standards for solder joints only SnPb solder can (and if you have ever soldered with SnPb and lead free you already know why this is)
Sound engineer, electrician, sales engineer, cad designer, builder, IT network technician, plumber, chef and Dj sitting here thanking you for sharing your awesome take on why it’s ok to do many things and be a polymath. I frequently have solves for problems completely alien to others due to my understanding of a completely different discipline.
ja man i just learned that i am a polymath and i am honored to have met another one :D
A real Renaissance man! Well done.
Same here brother. Accounting degree, HVAC school, military, musician, DJ, sailor, skier, etc and etc. LoL. I like growing things, tomatoes, roses, fungi, anything really.
That's me! Carpenter, drywaller, framer, former, electrician industrial, programmer, plumber, electronics tech, machinist, auto tech, refrigeration tech, audio engineer, producer, songwriter, guitarist, bassist, drummer, singer, performer, father, writer, failed comedian, car tuner, armchair psychologist, christain gnostic, youtuber, filmer, editor, etc... appreciate all you fellas in polymath keep it up. Great video
Hot Damn where did you get the time to master all these skills… Ok maybe not master them but you know what I mean
@@ericwilliams1832 truth is, my girlfriend had a secret cocaine habit and killed herself in my early 20s. So I dedicated the next decade to being the best at everything I could. Walking through trades, skills, and music until I was near master. I still continue to master everything to this day. Dedicate time while you're young and you won't regret it. Most people party and waste time not me always working. All the power to you, hard work is a long term pay off. It's real! Get out and destroy my friend!!!
@@ericwilliams1832
You normally gets 50 years of experience at the age of 30 by working a lot of overtime.
@@ericwilliams1832'skills' are all the same, it's called talent. No Fear, just do it and learn (fast) from mistakes.
but are you a success story or you never actually got far enough in all the things on your list?
I have always felt less than others because I never specialized. I've often been referred to as a jack of all trades and master of none. This has been quite encouraging 😊
Same... I have be blessed/cursed with insatiable curiosity. If I am not learning something new I grow restless.
@@id01_01 i am exactly the same. If im not learning, im quitting!
A jack of all trades is a master of none however often times better than a master at one.
Be proud of every skill and project! I’ve learned that all those “unrelated” skills do intersect at times in life and when it does you’ll be ready! Not to mention it just feels good to know about a lot of different things.
Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. For me the main objection to employing specialist tradesmen is how long it takes to get them on site. I waited and waited for a digger driver to arrive to dig the footings of my house build to the point where after two weeks of excuses and delays I told him to f*ck off and hired the digger myself. It was easy and I ended up building the whole house, saving tens of thousands and the inspector said it was better built than most houses he dealt with.
Now I have all the tools, a load of new skills and a healthy disregard for so many of the self-proclaimed skilled tradesmen. There are no trade secrets anymore with the internet. Get the tools, think out the process, read the material advice and take your time.
I came from being a Commercial Pilot, IT Technician, English teacher, Event Rigger, Cinematography and editor, to being a polymath in the trade industry and sole preprietor. I can thank Skill Builder for helping me with a lot of what I know today. I'm a proud carpenter, plumber, electrician, cabinetmaker, painter, plasterer, tiler, businessman. Thanks again Roger for being one of my teachers in this stage of my life 👨🔧👍
@@adamd9166 he is commenting on this video that it is from the Skill Builder RUclips channel.
Sounds like a handyman..
Ok, buy yourself a guitar now and become the next Jimmy Hendrix in 6 months.
@2ecko
you sound like the kinda guy I wanna talk to having been a producer, director, DOP, editor, chef, Web dev, designer and run an events company :)
It’s useful having various skills and interests but if your marketing yourself for business and having to carry around a ton of different tools and materials it’s not that great.
I can't understand why so many tradesmen become set in their ways and are unprepared to learn about new ideas. I'm 64 and do a lot of jobs myself. Recent I repointed my old house using the old method with quicklime. It's so interesting to learn about new things. Not only is it extremely interesting to keep learning, but it saves you a fortune and keeps the brain in good nick.
The answer is simple, you always earn more money by specialising in something and becoming very fast at it. All trade work now is on pricework, multi skilled tradesmen cannot earn enough to compete.
I laugh at another plumber I follow on here
He won’t do anything at all other than plumbing
I recently watched him fit a new toilet and sink for a customer and he got a joiner in to cut 2 inches off a bit worktop that was only 38 cm wide 😂😂😂😂😂
A straight cut , took said joiner about 15 seconds 🙈
Couldn't get anyone to do my repointing. So I'm gonna do it myself
That's why i DIY almost anything nowadays. save money... learn something new... winner winner
It's simple: being a beginner is hard, especially if you're already an expert in an other field.
I work for a jack of all trades, I've learned an absolute ton of stuff from him. I was an English major before and have been reading and writing my entire life, also taught myself video and audio editing, but that was about it as far as skills. Now on top of that I know how to operate construction equipment, how to do floors, how to fix roofs, how to mill wood, a bit of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, gardening, and landscaping. In about an hour and a half I'm going to spend the day clearing scrub trees and blackberry bushes off the property my boss owns, that I live on, deep in the mountains. I'm also a pretty good cook.
I never would have dreamed that I'd end up with such a huge skill set. I've also become more confident as a result, in no small part due to me being in great shape due to the constant labor intensive work that I do. Who needs a gym when you're chopping down and hauling off trees by a river in the mountains. Trees that you can then mill down into useable pieces of wood that can be used for repairs or construction. Ever heard of a pop up cabin? I know how to make one now. Also taught myself a little bit of bushcraft. I'm essentially out here homesteading.
That sounds like an amazing life, how did you find such a good opportunity? I work for a handyman but I'm in the suburbs.
Spot on, it's scary to know how little people understand about literally everything that makes their modern world run.
Roger's one of the few people on RUclips who can bang on for nearly 17 minutes and keep me 100% concentrated on what he's saying 😁
It's always a pleasure to listen to a down to earth person talking common sense 😁
Thanks Ken, I must confess I got bored half way through. (Roger)
@@SkillBuilderhahaha!
Are you kidding? I put something to fall asleep over, and 15 seconds passes, I got up and watched it, almost forgot to breathe till the end... 😂😂
He is master of that one! :D
What a cracking rant, so much is so true to life, it's frightening. I am of an age though where I can remember when all walks of life had pride in what they did.
The're very hard to find now.
I've rewired a house (got it passed by a proper sparky), installed a complete central heating system, done roofing work, bricklaying, tiling, fitted joists and floors in lofts, replaced double glazing units, fitted my own alarm, laid flags. I can't plaster though and obviously not allowed to touch gas! I am not a tradesman I worked as a civil engineer but am self taught and usually do a great job, but very slowly!
Tinker with motorbike mechanics too and the odd bit of baking! Being retired if you sit on your arse you will soon die of boredom and inactivity! So I don't!
Same here. I have learned a lot of skills over the last 11 years from renovating my last house with virtually no money. I just learned from videos here and reading a lot then trying my hand at it slowly. I ended up selling the last house in 2022 and bought the current house for cash without any mortgage purely from the profit on the last house. I took early retirement and got a job part time in a government department, they wanted to know if I would apply for a management job and go full time, I said no. I am only there for the regular pay in case I want another small mortgage to buy a house in France next year. I can make more money from finishing this house and selling it.
Well this is all lovely aggrandisement (or despicable).
The exact same phenomenon exists in programming. Maybe it works for you to be a specialist if you're in a huge corporation, but even then, you're going to stagnate while the generalist will shoot past you. And if you want something done, it's better to have one experienced generalist than one specialist in each subject at hand.
My late Dad was pretty much a DIY "Do everything yourself man".
He pretty much was a self-taught/ self-made man that managed to do everything from helping us with our college assignments (Accounting for my elder brother, Computer science for me, and Law for my younger sister etc), to doing the final works on the (back then) newly built house (plumbing, tiling, wood works etc).
Ever since he passed, I have noticed my mom (now in her 70's) slowly taking up those traits and even doing a far better job than I would..
"AND THEN I BECAME A PLUBMER AGAIN" Sir, asides from being an inspiration at such age, you just made my day
I received a..."I would not tell you how to do your job" from a local plumber because I wanted to discuss how he was going to do the job lol. I asked him to leave and next day did it myself...and made a better job than other plumbers that I have seen. After a local inspector finished testing/inspecting my house wiring he looked me in the eye and asked me if I had done it myself. I confessed that I had and I asked him how he knew...he said it was all completed correctly and was too neat for an electrician to have done it. You talk a lot of sense Rodger, most refreshing.
One overlooked Detail of having experience in multiple disciplines is it gives you a very flexible train of thought. It enables you to really pick something apart and do a task better, you can think outside of the box. The resourcefulness alone is invaluable
As an electrical engineering major right now, I’ve realized that schooling for engineering, no matter the specialization, is all the same just different flavors. It’s all centered around the ability to problem solve and learn. It’s the one type of degree that I can confidently say trains you to be able to do anything, not because it teaches everything, but because it prepares you to face any problem. I’ve never liked the idea of being a “master of one” so that’s probably why I gravitated towards engineering
Lol good luck, going to work in a refinery as a process engineer with your electrical engineering degree
@@igboman2860 why would I work there???
you will learn soon that your path has definite edges!
I moved in to a council house 45yrs ago, bought it cheap, ( £8000 ) ,gutted it, completely rebuilt it from the ground up , on my own, with a little help from her indoors when needed. In fact, I am still at it, just finished my third kitchen upgrade. There is literally nothing that I haven't done myself, I wont be specific as I don't want to incriminate myself, LOL. I reckon I have saved myself at least £70,000 on labour, and enjoyed nearly every bit of it. I'm in my mid 70s now, so I hope I will be finished soon. ( as if. ). Thanks for the vid.
100%, spot on. I left school with nothing. I got an apprenticeship as a mechanic, then joined the army. When I was 38 I moved to Florida & bought an irrigation company. I knew nothing about it, but knew I had what it took to learn & succeed. I had staff that couldn’t do certain jobs, & didn’t want to learn either. I used to pay bonus on the revenue they brought in. Installing certain higher value products meant bigger bonuses, but they still didn’t want to learn, so I gave the high value work to other lads, or would do it myself. I sent them on courses, but I could never understand why they didn’t want to use the additional skills, & get paid extra to do it. They lacked confidence & were afraid to make mistakes. Who doesn’t want to earn extra money? I sold the business last year & moved back to England. My wife still works for the company & says the same guys are still the same.
The same guys will complain that they aren't paid fairly and their boss is a jerk
they go to work because they feel like they have to and don't view it as something that gives meaning or is worth expanding on. every second they spend working is time wasted in their mind. do as little work as possible then =
I don't want to earn extra money and would do my best to avoid overtime. It is true that I wanted to earn a certain amount of money and got the skills to earn that money. Extra money is nice but I could care less about it at a certain income level. I have also been self employed and can tell you when it is your business you are going to put in the time required to make it work compared to being compensated by an employer for particular skills. I have worked in many different technical fields and find many people incapable or reluctant to learn and even some who can learn it but can't seem to apply it.
Just because they don't want to do the work for you doesn't mean they're not learning different things.
More money doesn't equate to a better experience of life. Living life with a balance of work, passions, downtime, etc... is necessary for most humans. If you have a drive, and you want to make money, that's on you. If you don't, that doesn't make you any less of a person.
We are punished for making mistakes. Our school systems are designed to punish us when we make mistakes. Thus, you have employees who don't want to apply new skill(s) because they're afraid of making mistakes and getting punished for it.
I feel blessed to have the opportunity to learn the skills I have and the ability to figure out what I don't know.
I enjoy knowing more then most. The key is to make yourself irreplaceable.
I'm a business owner now and put most of my abilities to work all the time.
It's satisfying to my heart.
I live in a rural fly over state in the US and most tradesman are jacks of all trades. It comes from necessity, not being in a big area. It’s not uncommon to find construction crews and handymen teams of just 1-4 people who know how to do everything on a house. I think it’s highly prized in the states or at least locally to be able to be a artistic generalist.
Yes, exactly!!! I think this is a "European thing" from what I see. I live in New England but worked overseas and lived in Germany for a few years, met my wife there, and long since have been living in NH. My European in-laws see me use a chainsaw in horror because "only professionals have chainsaws or allowed to cut a tree" - I do my own automotive work including changing tires, same thing. I am a DIY on just about everything (home furnace and hot water heater cleaning, electrical upgrades, welding, woodwork, etc) and my in-laws have office jobs and "farm out" absolutely everything to be done for them. They say many aspects they are not even allowed to do as regular citizens!
@@Sstantialwow really? That’s really interesting to think they’re “not allowed” to do stuff. I worked for a friend who owns a tree service company, and he isn’t a “licensed arborist” but has done free work for 20+ years, self employed, not even a hs diploma. No wonder everyone thinks America is wild lol 🇺🇸 😅
Yes - Exactly ... Artistry (caring)
@@Sstantialyeah well the Germans have been lied to by their overlords for too long now
Inspiring. It's like a TED talk.
For the working man
Once again Roger you hit the nail on the head, literally. I’m 57 years old and you’ve described my life experiences exactly. Finding a senior manager who rose up from the shop floor is almost unheard of.
The employers who give the most grief and are the most difficult ( or impossible) to work for are the ones with least experience .
That’s probably why I’ve ended up working for motorcaravan companies, I get woodworking, plumbing, LV and ELV electrical work, solar lithium, gas, and mechanical plus body work all on the same day. 👍👍😁
Can't agree more only thing im missing is gas even do carpert repairs and wash.
so true, in my day the site agent was always a crippled joiner. now its a twentysomething out of uni telling a 50 year old labourer how to shovel sand!
I have been a Handyman for 50 years, and a nurse, an industrial electrician mechanic welder carpenter a writer a speaker, you name it I've done it but I have never heard anyone explain this phenomenon. You are so very freakin correct sir, I get this feeling you and I were cut from the same cloth.
My dad and my husband are/were both polymaths. Their knowledge and capability has always astounded me. I pay attention to their work, hoping to learn as much as I can. One regret that I have is that my dad didn’t teach me what he knew. When I was young and would ask, he’d say, “You’re a girl, no need for you to learn this stuff. It’s hard work.”
Much appreciated Roger. Multi trade, multi skilled, on smaller projects it makes for efficiency. Nothing depresses me more than tradespeople who think there's nothing left to learn. The know-it-all. Have an adventure, try a different way. Grow. But you'll need a lot of tools!
Trades like everything else worthwhile is an expensive sport. But man is it rewarding :)
"The wise man knows that he knows nothing at all" Chinese proverb
However if the other person is a f**king idiot who wants to me to do something that I know isn't right, like twisting mains wire together and wrapping them in PVC tape inside a piece of expensive medical equipment, then yes i'll come across as a "know it all" when I want to use butt splice crimps.
It works both ways, some people are too f**king stupid to listen to the voice of experience, and when that stupidity is combined with authority, it never ends well.
Great topic: Crucially what a polymath does is develop their ability to judge their own quality of work and keep improving/developing what they do, whilst applying those skills across all the trades they perform. Learning something new is often worth more than money, as that will come when you have greater breadth of expertise.
The "Don Logan Treatment", had me in stitches and yes....got that T-Shirt.
Yes it should have been Don Logan but nobody has picked up on that
As someone who works in building maintenance, I was initially worried that working in this field would lead me to not mastering any of the one trades, but after 6 years, I've learned that I love the variety of work that gets thrown my way. It keeps things fresh and I get to learn new things every day. Half of my job tho is just going around correcting the work that other "specialists" did incorrectly.
I appreciate your perspective on this topic. There's nothing wrong with being a jack of all trades, as long as you have integrity and commit to doing things correctly. It's been very easy to get a reputation for being a reliable worker when everyone around you is cutting corners and doing things wrong because "that's the way I've always done it."
Great video sir!
Thank you, Roger, this video is very important as a motivator to so many people. You probably don't realize the impact a simple video like this can have on a person, but your message can and literally has changed hundreds if not thousands of lives already. Even if you only give a single person the tools they need to improve their lives, you are a success at the very least. Thank you for showing people that they do not have to limit themselves.
Well said!
Ever since I was a young chap I could never imagine doing 1 thing my whole life. A bit over half my statistical allotted years and I'm steady trying new things and developing new skills, making a good living with most of them.
It truly gives me massive appreciation for the people and the world around me.
We're getting building work done on our house right now and our builder is a jack of all trades. When he was younger he worked with his dad who taught him everything. His main trade is as an electrician, but most of what he does is actually construction work and joinery. He is also a capable plumber. I've seen the quality of his work first hand and I know we have someone very special working for us. He really cares about what he does and is an extremely hard worker. He is also fantastic to consult about stuff he isn't able to do, such as working with the boiler, because he has such wide experience. He is a skilled craftsman and I have huge respect for his knowledge and expertise.
It is nice when you can find someone that you can trust 😊
And from the other side, it's nice when people feel that they can trust you!
Even nicer when you have a customer like @Vaelin404 who clearly respects and appreciates your skill. I take pride in the work that I do for people and will go above and beyond to help people with Vaelin404's attitude.
Glass collector, self employed parcel delivery, monumental stonemason, self employed rendering work, professional cleaner/carpet cleaner, HIAB (crane + truck) Driver, now i own a stained glass business that I started, between all of this I've taught myself to do any and all home & car repairs, I can build, have done flat roofs, tiled roofs, all the joinery underneath said tiles, patios, whatever...I can do anything I want to, I'm 30 next month! I get called an old head fairly often. Appreciate this video!
This video reminds me of my dad, through and through. He started with landscaping and general labor moved on to carpentry and from always being willing to learn, he is now a superintendent for a construction company and I’m so proud of him/look up to him so much. Had to share
Love being a Jack of all trades. Too impatient to wait for others so have always learnt to give other things ago as I would get bored otherwise.
sometimes you have to, and if no one can do it as you want it, it's best to do it yourself
@@localgrassfieldboneshandleragreed. My problem isn’t the wait, it’s the idea of accepting an insultingly mediocre level of quality received while handing over hard earned money to some slacker that drives me to do everything myself
As an IT specialist, I often dabble in the trades of electronics, electrical, furniture construction (from scratch, not kits), and outdoor construction. Also renovated my laundry at my previous house which looked way better than the bathrooms and kitchen that came with the house. We should all try to diversify our skills!
Hello Roger, thanks for bigging up handyman )) 23 years in the business & able to turn my hand to most things" moving from London to devon" just can't get my head around all these weird & wonderfull things growing out the walks & wood work!! Cheers Tony from Tavistock.
Being able to see something done once, understand what's happening and why, and replicating it perfectly is something else you gain from this way of learning.
Never cease trying to learn. Gathering knowledge and passing it on is the meaning of life ❤
Once again telling it like it is. Great rant and full of great facts. I now consider myself a Polymath. Building, roads and civils, mining construction, carpentry, art, sculpture, poet, story writer, recycling and renovating items, electrics, structural steel erector, carsalesman, real estate agent, husband, father and grand father. Always challenging myself. Next project solar. I originally qualified as a Tool Maker. Now 72 and still going. Cheers (with my own home brewed beer) 😂😂
I studied to become an electrician, but find a job as a helping hand for a plumber, did some small electrical jobs here and there, some small plumbing jobs here and there by myself, aducated as much as I could for both trades and after a year I left the job and work by myself. I get a lot of work because it's easier for my client since he doesn't have to worry with 2 tradesman, also I like carpentry and I do things around my house since I like woodworking and because I got the tools needed for carpentry and I'm decent at it if the job needs a bit of wood working I can do that. Because I can do all these things I get a lot of work and also very important, the job doesn't become monotone since you always do something different.
This is one of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen. This video resonated with me since I am from a family of "handymen" that did everything. We came to the states and made a very good living. My grandfather, who was not a handyman, but a professional gambler, told me when I was very young to not only go to school, but always learn more than two trades. He also made sure since that I learned our native language. With a Masters degree, what has saved my life more than two degrees in almost everything that I do are two things... being willing to do whatever occupation that can put food on the table (and I have literally been the butcher , the baker and the candle stick maker, before moving into corporate work) and speaking and writing Spanish fluently. Thank you for communicating the noblest of goals, that of the polymath.
It doesn't mean you should jump around and do a million things, it means that you are good at what you do and that you know how to get the job done right . God bless you and again thanks for being an inspiration.
Frankly I think our modern , digital age is making the notion that it's best to only be good at one thing more and more outdated. For all the problems the Internet has exasperated in our society it is undeniable that it's also made being able to learn almost countless new skills much more easier than ever before. I'm a creative person with a deep love of literature, and I definitely want to write a few books, short stories and poetry before I die, but I find myself also deeply fascinated with filmmaking, video game design, painting/drawing, acting, and music. And I can learn so much about all these things now with just a few quick Google searches compared to having to go through an education to learn them. I'm more and more sure that the future is in Renaissance men and women more and more! :)
As a person that started out as a brick layer with a company that had a great range of tradesmen employed, when the brickwork was slow we worked with the other trades, learning plastering carpentry and plumbing. Great grounding knowing what the other trades need from you as you were working as you could see problems before they became an issue. As an apprentice we were told always ask questions if you want to know something, always keep your ears and eyes open and you will always learn something new. After many years I went into night school and learnt electrical work and after several years doing that got a job in the heating industry. Got good at that. Every company I’ve ever worked for new my worth as they could send me to do a good job without hold ups as you pointed out waiting for other trades to turn up. Always had good rapport with the clients and retired with good name intact. Carry on ranting Roger. Sometimes it’s warranted. 😜
I only learned other trades through needing another tradesmen myself and they seemed so unreliable I had little choice but to sort jobs myself.
Even down to installing my own oil boiler 7 years ago, 2 heating engineers let me down in succession so I just got on with it. Been serviced annually by a qualified engineer who has not reported any issues. Same with plastering, some brickwork and carpentry. Would much prefer to pay somebody but unless the jobs are over a couple of grand in value and fairly simple I found trades were not interested.
Building up to retirement now, back is killing me, knees shot to bits so soon I will have no choice but to rely on these people, I'm not really looking forward to it.
I ended up doing the same in my last house. The trouble I had trying to get work done the way I wanted at a decent rate you would not believe. I ended up doing most of the work myself apart from the gas boiler and the electrical work at the meter and skimming walls. I installed firrings and levelled all the upstairs floors, did all door linings, hung doors, stud walls, insulation, pvc windows and doors, tiling, rendering, all flooring, architraves and skirting, plumbing, installed kitchen all myself. Probably saved a fortune, now in my next house I know I can do it again.
You didn't learn a trade, you copied something you have seen on youtube.
@@Brynoize Tube wasn't even around in the 80s mate 😂😂
@@tinytonymaloney7832You said 7 years ago but okay, let's pretend you meant 37 years ago, you still didn't learn a trade copying something you had seen.
As someone with GAD, OCD, ADHD, & ASD, I can relate. My OCD definitely makes me question if any of this is good for my mental health, BUT simultaneously, I feel immense pleasure in being the unique individual I am regardless of my ailments that give me both massive advantages, and massive disadvantages, which surely, if I just knew which part of the brain I could fix up to be rid of those massive disadvantages, I would have done so already, granted, I'd need surgical expertise and equipment, but lets "not" get hyper-fixated on "semantics".
lols Take Care Mate!
Utterly brilliant commentary. I learned early from my dad, spending most weekends of my teenage years helping him with handy work repairing, maintaining and renovating several rental homes my parents owned. Was it what a teenager wanted to do? No, but in hindsight, he taught me great skills, fear management to tackle something new or untied, creativity and ingenuity (to prolong the lifespan of ‘things’ and most of all I got to learn truly the man he was by how he approached these problems and dealt with people. Of my four siblings, I was most blessed by this! Fast forward, add RUclips resources, at 63 I’ve gained far more skills than my dad had in electrical, plumbing, tiling, carpentry, renovating, fencing, landscaping, cabinet building….but all from his seeding and early examples. He was always there to help my wife and me which our home projects. I still try to learn new, better ways of doing it all, have saved untold 10’s of thousands of dollars, improved my skills with every project and find joy and satisfaction with my accomplishments. Bless you for such a thorough development of a polymath.
Bravo Roger. I've said it for years, the domestic building trades in this country are abysmal. They treat the general public like imbeciles, granted some are, but the rest just want a good job done at a fair price. Guess what, wait until all these plumbers are installing heat pumps, we haven't seen the full effect of incompetence!
Thank you so much. This gave me a bit of new hope and courage. Once upon a time, being a polymath was highly revered. Let’s raise that banner again.
Love this video. Never understood why people limit themselves to some label they've allowed others to bestow upon them. I'm a retired HVAC TECH but I'm also a certified electrical instructor and can wire a house. Pretty good at plumbing as well and have installed several water heaters and dishwashers. I know lots of guys in these trades though who are intimidated about automotive repair. I don't get that either because it seems to me that if you have a mind for technical things you should be able to apply that talent to most anything. I grew up on a farm and was taught by my dad how to work on all of our machinery including tractors, trucks, cars, etc. Out of necessity, as a poor newly wed, I always did our car repairs from tune-ups to brake jobs. People just seem to get into a mindset that they have to stay within some definable category and never venture outside those boundaries. People seem to think that if you don't have a document issued by a college or government entity then you can't legitimately be skilled at it. That's bullshit! He'll, I've replaced many a A/C compressor on cars and trucks for people and picked up a few extra bucks like that. Made lots of money charging them half what a " legitimate " garage would charge them. Hold your head up and go forth boldly people!
Well Said Mate!
I’m 28 years old, been saying this for years. Constantly trying to learn a new a skill. Had a good friend, older man in his 80’s that passed away recently, taught me how to do electrical last year, install in wall home theatre system, etc. I’ve known very few people like him. I’m college educated with a career in Agriculture. I do not limit my ability to this though. I always tell friends that are feeling a bit depressed that having this mindset of always being willing to learn how the things around you work, will make life much more enjoyable. It’ll create projects and kill boredom.
Bang on the button roger, worked for myself for 40yrs plus and do almost everything, that way i'm never let down or ripped off, and i'm never board with work, never been short of work either. nice to hear some old school sence being spoken.
Absolutely brilliant Roger. Liked the bit about the dentist with rusty mole-grips. As what can be described as a DiY'er, i.e. untrained in everything, I get very perplexed at these so called specialist trades who look down their noses at any DiY person. It is thanks to people like you, and others like Robin Clevett, who willingly share their knowledge, and demonstrate how things should be done, provide an easy path to follow.
As the Essential Craftsman would say "Keep up the good work".
Robin Clevett
Sorry, yes of course, but you know who I meant. Now edited.
But their showing you how to do it for personal use not to go out and charge someone else that's the difference
I agree with all, but lets not bad mouth rusty molegrips.
It was nice to hear the second part of the saying about Jacks of all trades. It would have been encouragement to know this when I was younger and impatiently aware of my lack of mastery in several disciplines.
I became aware that I am dyslexic in my mid forties and this was also an encouragement, to understand how I learn and can contribute, even, especially, when it is not a typical contribution.
It may not be easy or quick to be a Jack of All Trades, but what a blessing to have access to the depth and the breath of possibility.
Mr. Jack, You are a super confidence booster when we sometimes ask ourselves why we aren't a master of anything. It really makes one appreciate what we DO know! Thank you
I hate being called a handyman. I'm a carpenter that can do most trades, if I can't I learn and learn.
Nothing wrong with being a handyman, but if being a handyman bothers you, perhaps your could call yourself "an engineer," like boilermen do?
I find the handyman title is usually aimed at very basic stuff, like putting up shelves, curtain poles, window blinds, paint touch up, damaged wall filling, that sort of thing.
Anything that requires trade qualifications, such as electric, plumbing, HVAC, then you're more into multi skilled engineer, facilities engineer, building services engineer.
I guess carpentry has rather faded from where it used to be. With the introduction of dry wall systems, readymade kitchen pods etc, its diluted much of the skill and general building knowledge that joiners used to learn. Whereas electrics is now a huge part of construction, especially with renewables, EV's and the eventual end of gas boilers.
@@GretatheEvilGremlin Back in my day and in my country of birth, an engineer was someone who had done six years of university, including lots of hard-core physics and maths courses. He (it would be a male in 95+ per cent of cases) would have the knowledge to build rockets that put people on the moon or to design a nuclear reactor, for example. In this day and age and in the UK, an engineer is a bloke who knows how to fix your boiler. If a boilerman can call himself a "heating engineer," I don't see why a handyman can't call himself a "general maintainance engineer" or why a Macdonalds worker can't call himself a "burger-flipping engineer."
@@chesshooligan1282 I guess if you're old school you'll only recognise engineers with a degree.
Personally, I don't have an issue with M&E trades calling themselves engineers, dependant on what their level and job role is.
I've never seen a "handyman" be expected to hold any trade qualification whatsoever. That's always been clearly defined as far as I see. The expectation of a handyman isnt to get involved with systems which are specifically controlled by regulation or Law.
If the OP is a qualified tradesman, and doesn't like his "handyman" title, then maybe he's in the wrong job.
@@GretatheEvilGremlin What I recognise as an engineer is completely irrelevant, and even having a degree can be irrelevant. I've met a person with a degree in French who could barely speak French. I'm a mathematician with a four-year degree from a top American uni and I've met an amateur mathematician who probably knew more maths than me. I've seen about 10 orthodontists in my life and only one who knew what the fuck he was doing. He was Mexican and not qualified as an orthodontist. He told me orthodontics is a scam and he could sort me out in a couple of months for $175 using those plastic removable gadgets. I thought he was crazy, but I had a go out of curiosity and because I was broke. He sorted me out. He did what 9 others couldn't do, and for the amount some of them charge for one visit. What profit did he make after paying for materials? A tenner? So... whether someone calls himself an engineer or other people do is irrelevant, at least in my opinion. Still, it's kind of weird to use the same term as a qualifier for both a boilerman and a nuclear reactor designer.
I completely agree with you. If a handyman is ashamed of being a handyman, it sounds like he's in the wrong profession. Perhaps he should get off his ass and become an aerospace engineer?
Excellent video as always Roger. I spent 25 fantastic years working behind the camera on movies and tv commercials, when I became disillusioned with that business (mainly due to endless arguments about salary) I decided to retrain as a Gas & Heating Engineer and Plumber. I then spent the next 12 years involved in numerous property renovations and repairs. I thoroughly enjoyed every day I was at work, generally due to being ‘valued’ as a quality tradesman. And I never had any problems with quotes or invoices, marvellous! Just goes to show that a change is as good as a rest.
Yeah, I'm one of those polymaths. I was raised in the carpentry and construction trades. Out of high school, I went to college and got a manufacturing engineering degree. I worked as a plant engineer for a few years, I learned machining, welding, electrical, plumbing and machine trouble shooting on the job. I've restored quite a few cars and trucks over the years as a hobby since I was in my teens., building engines and body work and paint spraying. I make a living as a master carpenter. But customers love me because I can do it all. Shower trays, plumbing, electrical, weld up some iron railings, tile, drywall. I can basically fix anything, from cars, to home, to industrial machinery. I'm 58 yrs old and have enough tools and equipment and machines to tackle all those jobs....hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of tools accumulated over 4 decades. I've made it a priority in life to be able to be totally independent and self sufficient. I've been self employed most of those years and I always managed to live fairly well. I'm not filthy rich, but I've done it my way for decades, and I have the freedom to live as I please and I can afford to have the nicer things in life that would cost many times more if I had to pay someone else to buy or build those things.
I’m a chef from Louisiana, went to school for drafting and design, my father is a carpenter and taught me, though I love to hunt, fish, and forage. Maybe not a jack of all trades but I do enjoy what I can accomplish.
One of the things you mentioned toward the end of the video actually has a name to it. The Peter Principle: "Every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence". Basically, you may be good at one thing so they promote you, and keep doing so, until you're given a job you're no good at. As a result you stop being promoted, and instead - and to the disappointment of everyone else - you end up stuck as the idiot in a role you're no good at for ever more.
Interesting, i hadn't heard of that.
I have to say, Roger, that was absolutely fantastic. Well said. So many points to take on board there and everyone in the UK should watch this. They won't, of course, but they should. Keep going and all strength to you.
Remember the wright brothers.
They were bicycle mechanics who ended up making the first airplanes. (Just weeks after the media said human flight was impossible and a government-funded specialist failed.)
Experience IS education.
Unfortunately, our society has conned people into believing that going to a college to learn about doing a thing is worth more than actually doing the thing itself.
Well said You just described my life 42 years as a Polymath and always run down by other people with one trade Just subscribed thanks Scott
Spot on. I have always encouraged the lost art of generalism. Todays hyper focussed world leaves people susceptible to being swindled. For example, if you don't know a little bit about economics, the politician can sell you a duffer economy. Etc
Spot on Roger. As a plumber, I found it extremely difficult to find a company I could work for who would let you do a proper job of thing and not using crap materials and cutting corners just for profiteering. Started my own company but far too many customers only interested in cheap job . Not a good job. I'm in a new industry now. Not nearly the same job satisfaction but I may be able to find something more fulfilling someday.
When I learned the boss didn't do certain things. Not because we couldn't do it but because of liability. In our home lives, we did everything for ourselves.
Love this video.!!!! I live this myself. Learned to frame my own house and built my own motorcycle and run my own small business fixing home alarm systems....! Keep it up.
We are currently residing in an era where generalists with strong internet skills can often outperform 'specialists' in their respective fields.
Roger you're a diamond! you've really confirmed what I suspected about myself for a long time. I'm a qualified mechanic, bricklayer and Scuba instructor. I have an Uni diploma in Politics and economics and I'm now studying BIM at level 7. all this and occasionally I've been scoffed at by immigration and lad on site as a "jack of all trades" as if it were a bad thing. In my younger days I was hurt and confused by their remarks but now I just pity them and their ignorance.
What people don't think about is how much skills translate, or how taking something from one field could solve a problem with another field. I have thought of myself as a jack of all trades and thought it was a bad thing because I've been job hunting and everyone seems to want a specialist in something. Or worse, if they want someone who can do it all the pay is garbage with the workload. So, this video inspired me a bit.
I've drawn, painted, sculpted, done photography, majored in graphic design and then switched to video production, worked on theater sets and props, worked on a few short films, messed with animation, etc... All throughout varying parts of my life, education, and experience. I'm not the best at one, but I am decent at most of these fields and some ideas and techniques transfer to others. I will say that I should work on these skills to refine them, and I do from time to time, but it gets hard sometimes. I really wish someone would hire me...
This rant really hit home! Master machinist here which essentially means I can do pretty much any other trade to a decent degree. I am a jack of all trades plus.
I'm a carpenter, I've noticed over the years that there seems to be an effort to reduce peoples' skillsets from developers, I think it's so that they can pay semi skilled people less whilst keeping them dependent on their employer as they can't adapt to something else... these things always come down to money.
"Posh people just don't know stuff more confidently."
My Grandad was a plasterer his whole life until dementia took him out in his late 70s (he’s currently still alive but on his way out at 83) did it from his teens till the illness hit.
He would call himself a plasterer but he could wire a house, do plumbing, repair cars, could do bricklaying, roofing, the whole lot himself.
He built my mum a conservatory from scratch when he was 73 and did the whole thing himself, then dug a soakaway into the garden for good measure because he noticed a bit of flooding while he was up there doing the roof.
My grandad built everything from custom trucks to bespoke doll houses for his children, to rendered artwork on the sides of buildings.
He’s the epitome of the topic of this video, best man I know.
What a great rhythm. Thank you, brother.
My Father taught me never to be afraid of trying something new. He would say it took a team of experts to build the Titanic and one man to build the Ark.
Only difference being is that the ark is a childrens story
Your right, the experts built the Titanic and .....
...and the Ark never happened :)
Havent even finished watching this and have had to stop to say Thank u - i have often felt how bad for not sticking to one discipline - teaching , art, dt , English , plumbing company and love all trades - ur video has really cheered me up , once again thank-you, been feeling down and u brought me up .
My dad and I renovated our entire house ourselves, I'm not bad with a lot of skills but he's the absolute king of fields from plumbing to bricklaying. The only times we needed help was when we needed to put in a concrete foundation.
First off, I am a musician; I am absolutely useless with anything mechanical-nevertheless this video was quite inspiring to me. I am very much a specialist in a couple areas I take great pride in, but I’ve always felt paralyzing fear in relation to becoming more of a “jack of all” in other things that would probably make me more self sufficient. I want to begin changing that 🙂
Totally go for it! I started out with music aswell, later went over to theology too and now am an soon-to-be adept in both Latin and Greek. All with certificates of course. And I also know how to change a tire or plaster a wall, before any mockery occurs.
If you're a musician, look for the music in mechanics. I was terrible at music, but loved listening to certain types. Found I couldn't move to a beat on the dance floor, but damn could I make a car dance ;)
You'll find there's music in everything with a little bit of headbanging and swearing 😁
@@BrKnOblivion hahah I can see it 😄
I’m a musician. I’ve played piano for 20+ years. I’m not the best pianist on the planet but that’s because I’ve also spent time learning banjo, guitar, and accordion. I’d rather play multiple instruments professionally well than be a virtuoso on one.
I feel that @@thomascraig6814. I've long had an inner-battle between being a drummer and a singer. You do start to see, though, how the ways you improve on one instrument a very applicable to others and things that aren't music at all!
Carpenters are often found to be in a foreman’s role. Carpenters will find themselves working on a building site for longer periods of time than other trades. Shuttering, roofing, first and second fix. Through all stages of the job interacting with many other trades.
Couldn’t agree more. I started my working life being trained as an industrial microbiologist, then got a degree in biochemistry before training to be a chemistry teacher. At the age of 57 I got my City and Guilds L1 in bricklaying.
Great rang, Roger! I live by the mantra "Never stop learning" and at 45 I've had at least 3 careers so far. And each skill/trade has proven helpful with the next.
I'm 22, being a jack of all trades and taking on new challenges and learning have always been a staple in my life. Never gone in the handyman business. But I think it would be pretty good learning a few crafts. To be useful is all I want for those around me. This was a good video, thank you
This could apply to so many walks of life. I’m a graphic designer but have dabbled in many fields over the years (web/print/digital) and can apply many design elements across various areas. I prefer the term multi skilled. I also love to give new things a try with DIY and have tried carpentry and brickwork this year. I love it and the satisfaction you get from learning a new skill!
That was hilarious, Roger! 😂 you should add stand up comedy to your skill set!
I've been a multiskilled tradesman for 40 years and yes, we are MASSIVELY undervalued until we actually put the bill in. We save clients thousands on jobs where they'd pay this much more per hour for an electrician' and that much more per hour for a plumber, or floor layer, or kitchen fitter etc. We may do each of those jobs more slowly but we take just as much pride in our work and ultimately provide the same finished product at less cost. Life is good and I am grateful to always have a full order book of both return customers, and new customers that they've recommended me to.
Take care Mate. You talk the talk but you most certainly back it up by walking the walk!
Jacks save you money.
If you don't mind me asking, what are your limits, and what is your specified trade? For example, I can fit a kitchen (have done) and can do wiring, plumb in sinks and so on, but I'm not actually qualified to do any of them. Is there a point at which you can't do the above in terms of a customer's (or your own) insurance? Did you have to get a qualification in each trade in order to do the part required? Or as long as you avoid things like heating and the fusebox, are you okay to crack on? I'm just curious as to what's involved in becoming the jack of all trades. Cheers!
I think a tradesman knows all the tricks and quicker and better than handyman in my experience. For example a kitchen fitter is quicker and better than a joiner fitting a kitchen. A dry stone dyker is faster and better than builder .
A scaffolder is quicker and better than a general handyman.
@@ricos1497 any major electrical work I carry out is ok'd by a certified electrician that I also do a lot of work for. He completes a PCI for me and I repay him with work on his own property.
I am interested in this answer too!
Only 8.5 minutes in and you have hit on several things that fit me perfectly. My problem is that when I started a new trade, I learned it very fast, and got bored with it no matter how much of a perfectionist I was. Over the course of my life, I have learned Autobody and paint, mill work, heavy equipment operator, commercial fisherman, welder/fitter, 10' horizontal roll brake operator, ski lift operator, snow cat operator/groomer, mechanic/tuner (auto, motorcycle, and boat), truck driver, cobbler, yacht detailer, and yacht broker. That is not everything I have made money at either, I am also a musician and an artist. I am retired now due to disability, but I am still the go to guy when you have a problem. I will either come up with a solution to your problem or have the tool you need to fix your problem, or the experience and skill to teach you how to fix your problem. I am pretty popular at the marina I live at on the Columbia River because of that.
This is why I have a ME undergrad with a minor in EE and a systems engineering masters that my job paid for.
I've been a jack of all trades all my life and I'm only ever expanding my knowledge. People in my work come to me when they want stuff done in a short time line without having to get advice from several other different technical individuals.
Home remodeling, electrical, plumbing, TIG/mig welding, auto mechanic, fabricator, you name it. I'll do it
There's so much legislation and regulation these days that no-one wants to take the risk of mucking something up and then being sued. It's a pity that colleges don't properly train up people to be certified Jacks and Jills of all trades.
A lot of us who know how to do and make stuff are self taught nowadays. Trouble is that in many countries getting certification is very difficult once you're an adult or when out of school. Even with Uni already done, but in the "wrong field" I'd for example have to do high school again just to be able to be an electrician. Ugh. I can already do most of it in electrical field, but there's no feasible way of getting certified, as it's a regulated trade. And sadly anything with building or renovating anything became a regulated restricted trade in my country (Slovenia) and likelihood of being able to do it legally is diminishing more and more. Not sure about elsewhere, but many countries in EU make it really hard for those of us with experience but no degree or certification in trades, to do them legally or even get employed. 😔
In my state, one used to be able to have two ways of becoming a mining engineer. They could either go to our oldest university or work several years for the mine co as an apprentice to the current engineer. That ended, before my time. I think in the 1960's@@maticjelovcan
@@maticjelovcan Dear Sir/Madam,
You have Napoleon to thank for ensuring that all professions are officially certified, homologated, licensed & possibly blessed by the Pope. He was hellbent on making every trade properly qualified via apprenticeships, etc. Most of Europe follows the Code Napoleon ( Napoleonic code). No wonder this tyrant couldn't stand the British as they had a far more pragmatic approach & less stiff approach to open a business. The world would never have benefited & enjoyed Robert Louis Stevenson first train had he been born in France. The irony is that the first railways in France were constructed by British engineers hence why all trains in France run on the left just as the UK. Kind regards.
I am in the opposite situation regarding employment in my former field. I did technical work as a qualified electronics technician in industry for 30 years. Because I do not have a trade certificate, for which you need to do a 4 year apprenticeship, I am legally barred from doing domestic or commercial electrical work and must have engineering sign off for industrial installation only. On the academic side of careers I do not have the necessary level 8 honours degree in Electrical Engineering to sign off on work so I had to give up a well paying job when made redundant in my last job. I had to go into a completely different sector but would have loved to pursue domestic or institutional electrical work if time and education systems allowed.
I was at an awkward age regarding either taking on an apprenticeship which is required legally for any work in electrical or a degree level electrical Engineering course which would allow me to inspect and sign off on work done. Either course of action would have taken at least 4 years with only 10 working years left. Modern technical and manual trades work, especially in industry, requires and emphasises multi skills people adept at doing many roles in order to avoid the waiting that having different trades not working with each other.
I have seen the botches that occur, even in new house builds, when trades do not work together or follow plans closely.
On the bright side I have hired specialists who had both the degree level education to supervise themselves adequately and also had the hand skills and had the team to do the work effectively.
I actually am starting an evening college course today called "women in construction" to introduce women to the trades to give us a taster of the trades to see which one we would like to specialise in. By tye end of the course I won't be qualified in anything, but will be able to do jobs around my own home. (I already do. My dad is a sparky and taught me growing up, along with all forms of DIY, just not plumbing, or plastering, but I have taught myself what I have needed too so far!) I only found the course as I was looking to do an electricians course, but was wondering I'd I would prefer carpentry, coz it excites me more. It sucks that they don't do multi trade courses though other than the taster. I would be so up for expanding my knowledge and becoming qualified in all the trades! I love nothing more than the satisfaction of being able to start and finish jobs myself. Whether that's replacing my broken shower, fixing the leak in the kitchen, or fixing the scary and dangerous electrical work that was done on my house prior to buying it. Currently building my kids chinchillas a castle as simple boxes with 1 opening cost an extortionate amount! Can't wait to be able to do things outside my own home and do a trade I enjoy!
Several people that I know have built their own house, project managed it and carried out several trades themselves, joinery, plastering, ground works etc they haven't even worked in the building trade previously.
Well that was a really enjoyable watch! Thank you, Roger! I pride my business on being a multi-skilled tradesperson, particularly in Carpentry, Dry-Lining, Decorating and Tiling. To which I often get knocked/mocked for, and occasionally called a “Jack of all trades” as if it were an insult! My father has always been able to turn his hand to many things, and with great skill and detail, and I have, quite naturally, followed in his footsteps! This was refreshing to hear, especially from a man as multi-skilled and as intelligent as yourself, Roger! So, thank you for enlightening some, and reassuring many!
Brilliantly observed , an enquiring mind is priceless.
I am what you would call multi trade, alot of my customers like the fact that I am a “one stop shop” especially when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms. I learned a long time ago that when you rely on other trades you often get let down for one reason or another. I wouldn’t say I’m as quick as a specialist, but I take pride in what I do and the time saved is often considerable. The variation of work keeps me interested, keeps me learning and most of all keeps me busy. I also have an unhealthy addiction to tools so it’s a win win!
Another wide ranging and entertaining rant Roger, totally agree with most of this, I'm a firm believer in lifelong learning and having a go. I've had the dubious pleasure of working with many "specialists" who were poor at their job !
I love this video, this definitely make me feel better about being a polymath. I’m always trying to pick up new skills everyday.