Jack of All Trades, Master of None

Ewan of All Traits. 

I just wanted to highlight that Ewan’s a Jack of All Trades Master of None. 

From a very young age, he had always wanted to give everything a try. Even at age four, he requested to go for a Violin trial but ended up playing the Piano for two years instead. 

Wushu because there are weapons and they are so cool! All the Ha-Ha-Hais punches and kicks. He was eager to start class. 

Taekwondo because he did not want to sit around to wait for his sister to finish Art Class and requested I just put him into Taekwondo in the same building so that he is doing something.

Drums because he loves music but violin and piano are not his kind of music. 

Badminton because he naturally took to it and has so much passion for it! He could play eight hours straight and would still want more even though his feet hurt. I guess this is really something he loves.

Why did I let him start all these? I wanted to let him lead us to his interest and not decide for him what I would like him pick up. I was clear about something though. No quitting just because the going gets tough. We will quit if there is no interest at all. The reasons have to be right.

Is this "Jack of All Trades Master of None" compliment or an insult? 

Of course, there are two sides of the coin in everything. 

An insult if we see this person as someone who has a lack of specialised skill and knowledge. 

A compliment if we look back in history and read William Shakespeare’s full phrase, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.” 

This year, we decided that Ewan should start dropping activities and start focusing. The reason being, he is getting older and it should be about time he knows where his interests really lies. Initially, he wanted to keep them all but we advised him that it was important he started focusing. 

How did we decide what to drop? We discussed it as a family and weighed the pros and cons.  

I am a May-Of-All-Trades-Master-Of-None because truly, I have no expertise in any field but have knowledge of a little bit of everything in every one of them. Looks like his yearn to want to dabble in many different activities takes after me here.

When I was little, I learnt everything! My father taught me how to cycle, roller-skate, play English and Chinese chess, billiard, pool, football, swim, badminton, tennis, bowling... Well, I was the boy he never had. On my own, I learnt how to sew stuffed toys, cross-stitch, handicrafts and such. I played the piano, danced the ballet and competed in school track-and-field, football, dance, story-telling and singing. I just enjoyed doing all these and be in competitive sports! But, I'm not a master of any. 

Sometimes, I felt like I should have just focused and be great at something. Other times, I was just thankful I know a little of everything and can partake in any social activities easily. 

Faye, on the other hand, is neither a Jack nor Master. Well, not yet. The children have such different characters and the formula to parenting them is also very different. This little girl is very focused and she is very clear about what she likes to do. 

She loves to sing and dance, but said No to performing arts exposure. 

She loves pretty ballerina dresses, but said No to dance lessons. 

With her, it seems like she may be a Master of One rather than a Jack of All Trades because she is not keen in trying out new adventures. We will let her find her own way like how we let Ewan explore his interests. 

My children are both so fortunate to be born in a Singapore that had forged its way into prosperity. The amount of options and choices they have today...

Looking back, did I learn all that I’ve learnt just to impart skills and knowledge to my offsprings? 

Is this what it’s all about? 

I think it’s okay. I like it that it’s all meaningful and how Life is truly a Circle. That the kids also own a little piece of us as they leave footprints in the sand.

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