Being a “Jack of All Trades” might just be the best decision you ever make...

"You're a bit of a Jack of all Trades".

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When this was said to me a few years ago, it felt like a criticism.

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Because I felt the implication was “…master of none”.

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Now, I see it differently.

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I think parenthood helps put things into perspective.

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Also, through it you learn, and hone, skills you could never envisage you’d need.

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A wide and varied skillset is a great strength, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

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It shows versatility and adaptability.

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A diverse plethora of skills make you interesting and keep you interested.

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I now realise I possess a Swiss Army Knife of skills I’ve acquired at all different points of my life.

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March signified a decade since I joined the company my Dad co-founded in 1987, P&W, and it seems like a great time for reflection.

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In 2014, when he asked if I was interested in providing maternity leave cover for the Studio Manager position, I was at a weird “limbo” point in my life.

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I was waitressing full-time at a restaurant in the interim period between graduation and applying for a job.

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And I didn’t think I could do the Studio Manager job; I didn't think I had the skills.

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But my Dad did.

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Until then, I’d spent my entire life at school or at university (Art Foundation at Central St Martins, BA in Costume at Arts Institute Bournemouth, MA in Textiles at Chelsea College of Art & Design).

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I had just completed five years of intensive studies but wasn't sure if costume or textiles were my calling.

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Had it all been for nothing?

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I certainly couldn't see a clear path forward for my life and career then.

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But now I see the skills I honed between the ages of 18-24, whilst studying at university:

Creative thinking, cultural awareness, critical analysis, drawing, fabric dyeing, sewing, painting, essay-writing and how to create a Harvard-style bibliography, research skills, collaboration, experimentation, risk taking, self-discipline, presentation skills, emotional intelligence, independence, originality, resilience (and many more...)?

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But back then I couldn’t help comparing myself to my Dad.

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He started his company at 26 and knew he was going to be a graphic designer from 17.

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Yet I still didn’t even know what I wanted to be.

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I felt ashamed and embarrassed that I didn't have the same clarity.

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While waitressing, I enjoyed the camaraderie but found the job surprisingly stressful, with its odd hours, demanding customers, and continual multitasking?(we were always understaffed).

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I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do forever, but it certainly wasn’t me “dossing around”.

I think I was deemed to be “wasting” my life away by some…

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However, the skills I learnt waitressing and bartending included:

Cash handling, physical stamina, inventory management, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, how to change a beer keg, social media marketing, upselling, attention to detail, communication skills, customer service, maintaining a positive attitude, keeping calm under pressure (and many more...)?

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Despite my anxiety and lack of self-belief, I chose to seize the opportunity with conviction, embracing the role of P&W's Studio Manager.

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And since then, I've embraced opportunities to expand my skills and contribute more to the company.

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From receptionist duties and calendar management to logistical tasks like travel arrangements, running errands, and event planning, I gradually introduced improvements and evolutions.

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This included the implementing a custom database in Filemaker (which I went on a course to learn).

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So, as Studio Manager, the skills I learnt included:

Digital and workspace organisation, diary management, professionalism, a first aid qualification, technical print knowledge, stock taking, Adobe Creative Suite, networking, sourcing unusual materials, how to change a cistern ballcock for the first time under pressure and right before a vital client meeting, contract confidentiality, office administration, telephone etiquette (and many more...)

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A few years ago, it led to my promotion to Business Development Manager, my current role.

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Now I identify and approach potential new clients, create proposal documents, write articles, collaborate on social media management, create content, help to creatively manage projects and so much more. I've tackled a diverse range of design projects, catering to both challenger brands and industry giants like Coca-Cola.

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Adding to my skillset:

Strategic thinking, networking, sales skills, leadership, market and trend knowledge, digital marketing skills, brand management, financial acumen, trend document creation, data analysis and interpretation, presentation skills, negotiation tactics (and many more...)

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And it’s all because my Dad's unwavering belief in my abilities fuelled me, even when I doubted myself.

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Reflecting on this journey so far, it's been a period of immense growth.

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I now have two girls (the same as my Dad).

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I now own a home.

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I’ve achieved these things, but not without life throwing some curveballs my way (I know I’m certainly not unique here).

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Some set our plans back a good few years.

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Life can be cruel that way.

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However, my Dad has been a constant support and confidant.

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And I’m grateful that over the last decade, my personal life has also taught me to sharpen a lot of transferable skills too:

Patience, to always be positive and find solutions, juggling of tasks, that kindness is key, to preserve through difficulties, to always be a support, to continually be grateful, to have courage, careful budgeting, to find joy in simple pleasures, not sweating the small stuff, to embrace new opportunities for growth, and you CAN survive on a broken three hours sleep for many weeks on end (and many more...)

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And, looking at this photo of my Dad and I from when I was 12 (and photos of my girls growing up)…

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That time is a thief.

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But all the way down the line, throughout both my career at P&W, there has been a constant.

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Working with my Dad is what I've enjoyed through it all.

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I admire him greatly.

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And I miss seeing him and working with him on a regular basis (currently my position is part-time).

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We’re the best of friends but also not afraid of critiquing each other.

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We can bounce ideas off each other but also hone down and focus on a task.

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Both of us always pour all we have into what we do.

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We’re both optimistic people, imaginative, quick-witted, artistic.

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‘Creatives’ through and through, we’re “outside of the box” thinkers.?

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My Dad has taught me an incomprehensible number of diverse creative skills whilst working at P&W, from people management to printing processes, he’s the fount of immeasurable creative knowledge.

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But he’s taught me more than he’ll ever realise.

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From how to ride my bike to introducing me to the basics of Adobe Photoshop at the age of 10 to guiding me in identifying star constellations.

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He helped me tackle those horrible equations I brought home from school and opened my eyes to timeless music, literature, films (and often pretty questionable sci-fi shows).

He's taught me how to be a nice person, a reliable friend, a good parent.

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He’s made me who I am today.

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He has limitless knowledge when it comes to the WWII aircraft (namely the Spitfire), vintage sports cars and Jethro Tull (potentially not as helpful to the furtherment of my life and/or career, but who knows!)

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Today, my skillset is multifaceted, and I will willingly continue to expand the facets.

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I’ll continue to add to my Swiss Army Knife of skills, and I urge you to do the same.

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Time is cruel, so learn them while you can.

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Whether you want to learn to crochet, cook, or code, the possibilities are endless.

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Make your own candles, brew your own cider, master the art of playing the violin.

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Delve into the world of jewellery making or cultivate a flourishing herb garden.

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Unleash your artistic side through photography, embark on a linguistic journey by learning a new language, or tackle practical skills like changing a car tire.

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Dive into the digital realm by mastering video creation on TikTok or identify garden birds by their melodious songs.

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Whatever floats your boat.

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Learning new skills, whatever they are, help to cultivate a diverse range of personal and professional skillsets to enhance your problem-solving abilities and to stimulate your intellectual curiosity.

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Skills can fuel innovation, build resilience, and contribute significantly to self-improvement.

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Not every skill you learn will be transferable in a professional sense.

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But embracing continuous learning can futureproof your career, so it's essential to remain open to acquiring new ones.

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My advice?

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Seek guidance and knowledge from those you trust and admire, as there's no limit to the value of knowledge.

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(Except maybe when it comes to the nuances of the Jenson Interceptor or the wingspan of the Lancaster Bomber?????).?

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Even today, I still don't know "what I want to be".?

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I thoroughly enjoy working at P&W and don’t have current plans to change that.

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Ideas are always buzzing around in my head.

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Maybe that's not ideal, but I hope to hone them once my girls are a little older.

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I'm starting to, already.?

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It's a cliche, but the world's constantly evolving, and times are changing.

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Adaptability and evolution are essential for survival.

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So, be open to learning new skills and being a "Jack of All Trades".

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Like me, you might not be a “master” (or expert), of them all.

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But they’re part of the rich tapestry of life.

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And being a “Jack of All Trades” might just be the best decision you ever make.

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Because who knows where it may take you....