A Multipotentialite's Path Forward
Embracing Inner Diversity Without Falling into the 'Labour of Love' Trap
To everyone who joined my masterclass last week, thank you. And special thanks to those who stayed for the rich, heartfelt post-session discussion, I'm deeply grateful for our lively conversations.
Together, we explored more than just how multipotentialites navigate the world of work. We examined the deeper, often invisible forces that shape our lives, from the privilege of choice to the burden of responsibility that comes with it. We spoke honestly about a system that ties survival to employment, and the quiet compromises we make, sometimes at the cost of our passions, sometimes our health.
We also acknowledged something powerful: that having the freedom to imagine a different relationship with work is itself a privilege, and with that, a call to help shift the system for those who can't yet afford to.
Your stories, questions, and reflections formed a tapestry of insight I could never have woven alone. This journey is always richer when walked together.
If you missed the class but feel called by these ideas, DM me, and I'll send you the link. Maybe my recent articles on the topic may also be valuable for you:
Understanding Multipotentiality – making sense of having broader skills.
The Path of Many: Why Generalists Sometimes Struggle
Building Bridges: The Renaissance of Generalists – The underestimated potential
Time Wealth and Multipotentiality – Ways to Redefine Success
👉A Multipotentialite's Path Forward – Embracing Inner Diversity Without Falling into the 'Labour of Love' Trap
Thriving as a Multipotentialite: 5 Strategies
Whether you're just starting to explore your diverse interests or are already weaving them into your work, here are tools to guide your path:
1. Craft a Narrative, Not a Label
When someone asks, "What do you do?" ditch the job title. Tell your story. Your blend of skills is your superpower:
"I blend design thinking, emotional intelligence, and systems strategy to help organisations navigate complexity."
2. Embrace the "Both-And" Mindset
Reject the myth that you must choose between financial security and fulfilment. You can seek both. Redefine what success really means to you, once you detach from what everyone else is saying. Here is a short version of what success means to me. Multipotentials are wired for creative combinations—this is one of them.
3. Choose the Right Model for You
The Group Hug: One role, many hats
The Slash Approach: Multiple part-time gigs (e.g., writer/designer/facilitator)
The Einstein Model: A stable job that funds your creative passions
The Phoenix: Deep dives into sequential careers
These four suggestions come from Emilie Wapnick, who introduced the term Multipotentialite in her book How to Be Everything. You can also watch her inspiring TED talk here: Why some of us don't have one true calling
Choose the model that fits for now—and let it evolve.
4. Find Your Tribe
You're not alone. Communities like Puttylike, my friend Julie's The Portfolio Career Club, and Circle of Resonanceexist so you can connect, learn, and grow among fellow multidimensional humans.
5. Advocate for Structural Change
We who can navigate these paths must also build bridges for others. Let's use our privilege to co-create new systems that value diverse contributions, redefine productivity, and elevate well-being alongside profit.
Your Way Forward
Steve Jobs once said, "You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards." For multipotentialites, that's more than a quote—it's a way of life.
If you have many interests, planning a linear career might not be easy. But you can design your life:
Identify your drivers: Are you fueled by curiosity? A need for variety? A desire to help others?
Embrace your natural rhythm: Do you prefer simultaneous juggling or deep immersion in one thing at a time?
Create time before burnout. Don't wait for the crash. Act in small, intentional steps toward the future you envision.
True success (for me) includes time, wealth, creative autonomy, and soulful alignment—not just a job title or a steady paycheck. If you feel like you want to tackle this challenge in a group or on an individual journey, I'm starting my new CoR Thrive cohort in June.
Beware the "Labour of Love" Trap
One key theme we unpacked in our class was the "Labour of Love" ideology, which is especially common in creative, caregiving, and social professions. It's the idea that some work is done for love, not money.
Sounds noble, right? But there's a trap hidden in that narrative.
Loving your work should never mean tolerating exploitation. Just because you're passionate doesn't mean you deserve lower pay, longer hours, or less respect. This mindset can be particularly dangerous for multipotentialites—often driven by curiosity and enthusiasm. We're at risk of being told to "do what we love," while being undervalued.
This ideology:
Masks systemic issues around labour and compensation.
Normalises burnout in caring and creative professions.
Exploits the very people trying to make the world better.
We must reclaim our right to be fairly compensated for our diverse talents. Passion does not preclude pay. If you ever have doubts, use this checklist by Jessica Hische, which one of our wonderful participants shared in the masterclass.
Your Value Is Not Your Role
Let me say it clearly: You are not your job title.
You are a vibrant mosaic of passions, talents, and perspectives. In a world wrestling with complex challenges, we don't need more silos. We need connectors. Translators. Synthesisers. People who hold space for nuance and possibility.
We need you—entirely, freely, and unapologetically.
What path are you taking as a multipotentialite?
I'd love to hear from you in the comments. DM me if you'd prefer a private space to share. If you missed the masterclass, say the word, and I'll send you the replay link.
Until next time—stay curious, stay connected, and stay boldly multifaceted.
With resonance and gratitude,
Graziella
thank you for the shout out!