Are you someone with varied interests, finding it hard to commit to a single career path? You might be what Barbara Sher describes as a “Scanner”—someone also known as a “renaissance man or woman,” an “eclectic expert,” a “happy amateur,” or a “delighted dilettante.” Instead of following a linear career trajectory, Scanners often thrive by engaging in a series of jobs that are “good enough” to provide financial stability without being draining, allowing time and energy for diverse passions and creative pursuits, regardless of immediate financial gain.
Sher emphasizes that “A good enough job is a subsidy to the art.” For individuals with a Scanner personality, many fulfilling activities and talents may not initially generate income, or at least not for many years. Therefore, it’s not always wise to expect every talent to become a source of profit. Many Scanners find joy and contentment in “good enough jobs.” Think of bookstore clerks who are passionate about books – that’s a classic example of a Scanner finding fulfillment in a role that supports their broader interests.
Image alt text: Creative studio space showcasing diverse artistic mediums, representing the multifaceted interests of a career scanner.
Reflecting on this concept, and particularly after exploring Barbara Sher’s writings and retreats, many individuals recognize themselves as Scanners. They may have held diverse maintenance jobs, like glue testing or customer service, alongside more passion-driven occupations such as interviewing filmmakers, working in visual effects, assisting in biology and psychology research, counseling in drug rehabilitation, or writing about addiction psychology.
However, the journey of a Scanner isn’t always smooth. The label “happy amateur and delighted dilettante” might not always resonate, especially when facing challenges like depression or anxiety. Comparing oneself to those on traditional, linear career paths, like PhDs in academia, can lead to feelings of inadequacy or being “wrong.” Fortunately, with time and self-reflection, many Scanners achieve greater self-acceptance and recognize the validity of their diverse approach to career and life.
Barbara Sher’s work and positive perspective can be incredibly beneficial for those navigating the Scanner path. It encourages a useful examination of self-perception and abilities as a multitalented individual, helping to challenge any negative beliefs about not fitting into a “normal” or mainstream mold.
Image alt text: Book cover titled “Changing Course” symbolizing career transitions and non-linear professional journeys for career scanners.
Valerie Young’s ChangingCourse site offers further insights into career transitions and job perspectives. Young quotes Barbara Sher’s concept of the “good enough” job, highlighting key criteria. Transitioning from traditional employment to entrepreneurship is a process, and sometimes, a “good enough” job serves as a necessary stepping stone. According to Sher, a “good enough” job must meet two crucial conditions:
- It must not be toxic. Moving from a high-stress job to another similar one within the same field is not a solution. A toxic work environment can negate the benefits of a “good enough” job.
- It should not exceed 40 hours a week. To pursue passions and build a fulfilling life aligned with one’s true interests, dedicating time outside of work hours is essential. This often means investing evenings and weekends in developing your dreams and side projects.
Image alt text: Emilie Wapnick, advocate for multipotentialites, promoting diverse career paths and embracing multiple passions, relevant for career scanners.
Emilie Wapnick, known for her work on multipotentiality (“How To Make Money as a Multipotentialite”), further expands on this concept. Her TED Talk, “Why some of us don’t have one true calling,” and her Renaissance Business programs, offer valuable resources for individuals looking to integrate multiple interests into a cohesive and fulfilling career or life.
By understanding and embracing the concept of being a Career Scanner, individuals can move away from feeling constrained by traditional career expectations and towards building a life that genuinely reflects their diverse talents and passions.
