Are you someone with a wide range of interests and passions? Do you find yourself drawn to different fields and ideas, struggling to choose just one career path? You might be what Barbara Sher, author and career expert, calls a “Scanner.” Scanners, also known as multipotentialites, renaissance individuals, or eclectic enthusiasts, often don’t follow a traditional, linear career trajectory. Instead, they thrive by exploring various avenues, weaving together a diverse tapestry of experiences. Understanding the Scanner Career Path is key to unlocking a fulfilling and engaging professional life.
Sher emphasizes that scanners often flourish with a series of roles that are “good enough” – jobs that provide financial stability without being draining, allowing them the time and energy to pursue their numerous creative interests and passions. This “good enough job” concept is central to the scanner career path. It’s about recognizing that not every passion needs to become a primary source of income. As Sher wisely states, “A good enough job is a subsidy to the art.” Many scanner pursuits, especially creative ones, may not be immediately profitable, or may never generate significant income. Tying financial success to every talent can be limiting and ultimately unsatisfying for a scanner.
Think about the joy of working in a bookstore for someone who loves literature. That’s a classic example of a scanner finding contentment in a “good enough job” that aligns with one of their interests, while leaving room for others. This approach to a scanner career path allows for flexibility and exploration, key elements for individuals with diverse passions.
Personal reflection from Douglas Eby, the author of the original article, further illustrates the scanner experience. Eby shares his journey through various roles, from maintenance jobs to interviewing filmmakers and working in research. He acknowledges past struggles with self-acceptance as a scanner, particularly when comparing himself to those on more conventional career paths. However, embracing the scanner identity has led to greater self-acceptance and fulfillment.
Valerie Young, through her “Changing Course” website, offers additional insights relevant to the scanner career path, particularly for those considering career changes or entrepreneurship. Young highlights the importance of Barbara Sher’s “good enough job” during transitions, especially when shifting from traditional employment to self-employment. She emphasizes two crucial criteria for a “good enough job”: it must not be toxic or overly stressful, and it should not consume more than 40 hours per week. This allows scanners to dedicate time and energy to their passions and build towards their broader dreams outside of their primary employment. Prioritizing a less demanding, non-toxic job can significantly improve overall well-being and create space for pursuing multiple interests, a cornerstone of the scanner career path.
Emilie Wapnick, known for her work on multipotentiality, further enriches the understanding of the scanner career path. Her TED Talk, “Why some of us don’t have one true calling,” and her “Renaissance Business” programs offer valuable resources for scanners seeking to integrate their diverse interests into a cohesive and fulfilling professional life. Wapnick’s work empowers scanners to see their multipotentiality not as a limitation, but as a strength, encouraging them to build businesses and careers that encompass their many passions.
In conclusion, the scanner career path is not about finding one single, perfect job, but about creating a life that accommodates and celebrates multiple interests. Embracing the concept of a “good enough job,” learning from resources like Barbara Sher, Valerie Young, and Emilie Wapnick, and fostering self-acceptance are crucial steps. For scanners, career fulfillment comes from the freedom to explore, create, and engage with the world in all its multifaceted glory. Recognizing and navigating the scanner career path is about designing a life that is rich, varied, and authentically you.
