The Wild

Daily writing prompt

What jobs have you had?

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I have been many things, and held many jobs.

In (approximate) chronological order:

• Grocery Clerk
• Gas Station Attendant
• Gas Station Manager
• Gas Station Regional Assistant Supervisor
• Survey Assistant – Road Construction
• Production Worker – Fiber Optics
• Wild Food Forager
• Inventory Manager – ATV Production
• Production Coordinator – ATV Production
• Porter – University Services
• Authorized Pesticide Applicator – Industrial Vegetation Management
• Vegetation Management Crew Chief
• Industrial Custodian
• Remote Mining Camp Maintenance/Security
• CNC Operator – Agricultural Implements
• Logistics/Warehouse – Professional Driver/Labor
• Production Worker – Plant Nursery
• Customer Service – Government
• Property Manager – Self Employed

To this I could add several volunteer positions – but the list is already too long. Instead I would like to leave you with the full rendering of a common saying about people who are generalists.

“A jack of all trades and master of none – is far better than a master of only one.”

Growing up I was familiar with the saying “He is a jack of all trades, and master of none.” It was usually used in a derogatory way – suggesting that those who are not super specialized are somehow lesser than those who are. In a world where science rules supreme, generalists have certainly been downgraded on the social scale.

When I reflect upon the world, and what we have collectively wrought – I cannot help but think that I prefer the original saying and the wisdom it carries.

Of course I have a confirmation bias though 🙂

Stay Wild.