Why Do We Despise The Jack Of All Trades?

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Roger is tired of people telling him to stick to plumbing. It's rant time.
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A polymath is an individual who possesses expertise or knowledge in various subjects or fields, often across disciplines that include arts, sciences, mathematics, and humanities. Historically, polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci, Benjamin Franklin, and Hildegard of Bingen have made significant contributions in multiple domains due to their broad and deep understanding of various subjects.
Similarly, a "jack of all trades" refers to a person who is competent in many skills, albeit may not necessarily be an expert in any of them. However, this term is often followed by “master of none,” suggesting that while a person may have a wide range of skills, their knowledge in each area might not be deep or specialized.
Benefits of Being a 'Jack of All Trades':
Adaptability: Jacks of all trades can quickly adapt to different roles and responsibilities, which is particularly valuable in changing or uncertain environments.
Problem-solving: With a diverse skill set, these individuals can approach problems from various angles, often finding innovative solutions that specialists might overlook.
Lifelong Learning: A natural curiosity and willingness to learn new things can lead to personal and professional growth throughout life.
Versatility: Being skilled in various areas makes you a versatile asset in many settings, especially in smaller organizations and startups where wearing multiple hats is common.
Interdisciplinary Understanding: A broad knowledge base allows for better integration and understanding of how different fields and disciplines intersect and relate, fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation.
Networking: Engaging with professionals and experts from various fields can expand your network and open up opportunities for collaboration and career development.
Reduced Dependency: With skills in multiple areas, you’re less dependent on others to complete various tasks and projects.
Improved Communication: Understanding the language and basics of different fields can facilitate better communication with specialists, making collaboration more effective and efficient.
Drawbacks:
However, it's also worth noting that there are drawbacks to being a "jack of all trades." For instance, the lack of specialization might lead to difficulty securing positions requiring deep expertise in a particular field. In some cases, a broad but shallow knowledge base might also limit the depth and quality of contributions in specific domains. Hence, balancing generalisation and specialisation is crucial, considering the unique requirements and expectations of each role and industry.
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#polymath #jackofalltrades #diy
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[@SkillBuilder]

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[@HaveYouTriedGuillotines]

Capitalism doesn't reward the renaissance man. It doesn't reward the polymath. It's threatened by them, so it in fact punishes them. Capitalism wants you to know a narrow set of specific skills and follow orders. Jack of all Trades threaten the desired compartmentalization of labor, which acts as a divide and conquer strategy. No one person can threaten the hierarchy by breaking off and starting their own practice if they only know a very narrow and specific set of skills, and that's exactly how capitalists like things.

[@SLMissy-r9z]

Jealousy....and that others can't be a Jack of all trades....GOD puts it all in certain people....that can actually handle all of them....😂

[@HaveYouTriedGuillotines]

@@SLMissy-r9z There is no god, only man. You get what you make.

[@samthomas1457]

"A jack of all trades is a master of none, but often times better than a master of one." The fact that I've never heard the second part of that quote is telling.

[@ben-fe3zy]

Absolutely! We use it in the opposite sense to which it was intended

[@coolister3852]

Same here

[@ricos1497]

"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion"* is another that always gets cut short, and I've noticed the meaning change in recent years. *"...., but not his own facts."

[@stevehansonmakes]

Perhaps you could learn to listen more effectively? A skill well worth mastering.

[@chrishoward4638]

Firstly, I really enjoy your channel, secondly, I believe the term “competent person” has more value than “expert” in so many situations. Keep ranting brother! ❤️

[@VTdarkangel]

I'm college educated engineer. This guy is so correct. One of the best things I did as an engineer was to learn the trade skills of the teams I work with. I spent several years doing the actual trade work of plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and welding and learning the associated skills, some to journeyman levels. It was a very humbling experience. It forced me to understand how to do their jobs, and therefore enabled me to take into account the building and maintainence processes into my projects.

[@Bobo-ox7fj]

God how I wish our engineers had ANY practical experience building the things they design for us.

[@Thumper68]

Humbled an engineer one day almost cost him 50k but his initial wanna bet 10k turned to lunch real quick when my old man piped up backing me and said well let’s make it 50k so it’s worth our time if you want to bet 10k. Engineer did that knowing I wouldn’t have that much being a smart ass but my dad wanted to see how he liked it he also knew if he backed me for the 10k it was going to cause issues after I won business wise cause he wouldn’t want to pay then I’d of beat his ass 😂. Still wasn’t cheap we ate good that day.

[@hansmuller1625]

I very much respect that. But if as a trades person one suggests that's a good idea one gets shouted down as an imbecile right quick.

[@VTdarkangel]

@@hansmuller1625 Unfortunately, that happens a lot. It irritates me when engineers get so arrogant that they assume they are correct simply because they went to school. I always try to listen to my tradesmen because sometimes they are correct, and even if they aren't correct, it means they care about the job and doing it correctly.

[@21palica]

Of course he is correct. I have no college education as an engineer, but I've been working as a delivery driver, IT tech, visual communication set up tech (window foils, neon signs, aluminium profiles, etc.), bulk material inspector, home appliances repair man and have now been working as a field service engineer for a big corporation that sells gauges and measurement systems for over 10 years. Yes, you read that right, I am signing my reports as an engineer, even though I never went to college. The higher ups call me a technician among themselves, but never called me that in direct communication, because their engineers call me for support when they can't solve a problem. My friends call me whenever they have a problem with their computers, cars, appliances, furniture, plumbing, electricity, etc. Do I get paid less because I never went to college? Of course not. An inquisitive mind, intelligence, problem solving skills and experience are much more important than a piece of paper that says you took a 4 year course in something. Don't get me wrong, education is very important, and we need specialists in every field, but I want to learn new skills as often as I can, and I believe that got me at where I am now.

[@ArtistUnknownOfficial]

I'm a woman who was a self-taught auto mechanic, commercial painter, flooring installer, graphic/logo designer, vinyl wrap installer, sign printer/installer, programmer, and even a preschool teacher... no college. I'm 24. I love to take on new challenges I set up myself, and I am damn good at it! Congrats to all those out here making their success happen :)

[@ngbc5342]

Hi Roger, many years ago, as a developer I employed a young plasterer, who had had perhaps, 5 years experience on site, as a general building maintenance worker. I encourage him to try everything, and anything that occurred day to day, regardless, and without fear of failure, and after 40 years in my employ he had developed amazing skills, ranging from carpentry, tiling, bricklaying, headwork, plumbing, steel working, you name it, he could do it. Never be afraid to try and progress through mistakes. He's retired now but was irreplaceable, bless him!

[@denisahmed3030]

I agree at 100% with you ! I am on my early 30s and doing exactly the same,trying on my property and if fail,wont cost anything to the customers.I am carpenter by trade,then continued to painting,then gardening,handyman,plumbing,plasterboarding,recently done tiling for a first time,and not afraid of trying and taking on new challenges.Thanks to Rodger,I am learning a lot for the damp too where this is helping me out to resolve damp issues too. The success is in"never give up and keep trying" I believe. 😊

[@TheDribbley]

The Americans do this , they call them "general contractors " but in the uk its stay in your lane. I started as a tiler. I now plaster. Started that because I was always being let down by plasterers coming in before me. Then went onto 2rd fix joinery hanging doors archs skirt. Then spent 7 years fitting bathrooms and fitting windows im currently fitting kitchens.

[@davidelliott5843]

I am this man though in my case it was DIY. I’ve built my own car. Rebuilt engines that went on to go thousands of miles. Taught myself plumbing welding and wiring. I can skim render and plaster but can’t lay bricks. I can do wood butchering but don’t have the kit to do a job that I would be proud of.

[@TheDribbley]

​@@robertswaine6096TLDR An American building contractor told me soooooo

[@SA-nu5sv]

Roger that Rog, if that was a rant, that was the finest I've ever heard since the days of Alexander the great

[@caliradocowboy255]

Love the differentiation between “education” and “intelligence”. Wildly different, especially when you start adding experience into the mix. I’ve brewed coffee, been a cowboy, picked up dead bodies, done sales, and am now the sole handyman for a wildlife center. I’ve had people scoff at my resume (CV) because it’s “too varied” but I’ve always made that argument of “look how trainable/flexible I am if I can do so many unrelated things”

[@davidhollenshead4892]

When I applied for IT positions I ran into the attitude that I was only good for the trades that I worked to pay for college. Being told you are only an auto mechanic, you are only a welder, you are only a contractor, or you are only a machinist, and we need a computer professional. No mention about my degrees... Of course being a Halfbreed here in the US and you can't possibly be college educated as Natives can't possibly be intelligent or have a college education...

[@thezyreick4289]

I often times put my game accomplishments on my resume I have been scoffed at for doing it before as well, and one time I got asked how games related to job experience I replied that it demonstrated my ability to learn a very advanced control interface and demonstrated my diligence and dedication to perform a substantial feat using said complicated interface, and highlighted how being able to do so, made me qualified to learn and operate the very basic machinery they had which was far less complex They were very unhappy and looked down on me, but were so desperate for employees that they hired me anyway. I came in, learned their entire system in less than a week, and while still in the on job training phase, redesigned their system and improved efficiency by nearly 30% overall. When they asked how I did it, I told them to go play some video games and earn something about proper design. Because they had something super simple being over complicated, and video games take something super complex and radically simplify it.

[@TheEudaemonicPlague]

The phrase you were looking for was "widely different", not "wildly different". Up until a few decades ago, no one ever said "wildly different"--and its original use was as word-play, only meant as humor.

[@andre1987eph]

Handyman for a wildlife center sounds like a dream job to me.

[@khadijah3519]

Sounds like me. Stay Safe But Curious☺️

[@jamespierce523]

At 76, I’ve been wearing multiple hats for over 62 years. Great way to go through life. Thanks for your program. 👍

[@j.l.salayao8055]

Yup, you're a son, a husband, a father, a brother, a friend, an uncle, a neighbor, and maybe an as5 hol3!

[@ashleysanford8645]

My father, used to have several certifications . And in the United States you have to keep recertifying, so you have to keep paying for the privilege of working on whatever it is you have a license for. My dad was a certified welder. A certified plumber. Certified electrician, civilian and Industrial. He had a CDL for a while .. he also is extremely good at wood carving and carpentry. He's actually been published. He's been to school for electronics. My niece bought him a shirt that says if Oppa can't fix it we're all Screwed!!

[@raidoung4100]

your dad is korean ?:D

[@tuahsakato17]

But of course he's Asian lol

[@ashleysanford8645]

@@raidoung4100 actually my Dad is white. And his family came to America in the 1613. So there are a couple of native Americans in the mix. And my mom was born in Germany, and is half German half Irish.

[@ashleysanford8645]

@@tuahsakato17 no, my Dad is not asian. His family is from England and Denmark. And came over in 1613. So there is a couple of Native Americans in the mix. Oppa is German for grandpa. My mom was born in Germany is half German and half Irish.

[@raidoung4100]

omg :D thanks for clarifying xD I thought the "Oppa" part referred to the korean Oppa xD@@ashleysanford8645

[@finalascent]

"Specialization is for insects" - Robert Heinlein. Always agreed with this. I remember a construction related reality show - I think it was called Monster House, in which an assembled team of tradespeople fulfilled the fantasy home renovation request of a lucky contestant. One episode stood out, because this one fellow was truly great at everything; he no only saw the big picture, he paid attention to detail. He conducted his work with quiet confidence, grace, and efficiency. He garnered tremendous praise from his peers, the show narrator, and the TV audience. Nothing but respect for the guy.

[@bhartley1024]

I'd watch that. What episode?

[@finalascent]

Oh crumbs... sorry man, that was years ago. I wish I remembered! :(@@bhartley1024

[@stevebliss7042]

me too @@bhartley1024

[@smartduck904]

Great books

[@dually81]

One of my favorite quotes.

[@Likely_Alucard]

One overlooked Detail of having experience in multiple disciplines is it gives you a very flexible train of thought. It enables you to really pick something apart and do a task better, you can think outside of the box. The resourcefulness alone is invaluable

[@ismayonnaiseaninstrument8700]

Ohhhh...that explains so much about my current train of thought, then. When I committed to writing a story, I wasn't satisfied with slapping it together haphazardly. I wanted to understand every aspect of the world I was building, and it made me diversify my knowledge quite a bit. And now I kinda just do that for everything else out of habit, and it's made me so much more well-rounded...in how I speak, in how I write, in how I think, and advocate for myself and others. It's awesome.

[@brycesstuff]

As I've been learning more and more skill sets, I'm finding that more and more of them cross giving me the ability to make anything that I want to out of anything that I want to. It's awesome!

[@Idle_Hands]

I was told growing up "if you want something done right, do it yourself" and its in my character to not ask for help. If I cant do something I learn and I asumed that was true for everyone but it's not. I am 32 and have done all my own landscaping, patio laying, plumbing, electrical wiring (scares me, though I do know the principals). Before I got my motorbike I didn't know how to ride or one thing about mechanics, I now do all my own upkeep, tire change, sprocket, chain, oil changes, I've actually transformed the rear end of that bike myself. I taight myself how to use photoshop, 3ds max, maya and many other suits for graphic design professionally and I do that freelance. Jack of all trades? no, but If I need something done I will learn.

[@vak2586]

That's a really good username for you, considering the comment matter!

[@nimblecrow]

It looks like you’re doing it right. From my own experience I’ve found that I get the best workmanship from myself. I started learning from handyman books, and then from KZbin tutorials when that became a thing. It’s good to read there are other useful people out in the world.

[@BarriosGroupie]

I don't think this always works: I think it's more efficient to employ someone more skilled who needs to know this stuff long term

[@jamesdavison2416]

This! because no one cares as much for your stuff as you

[@jamesdavison2416]

@@BarriosGroupienot always, but sometimes yes

[@diogenesegarden5152]

Years ago my Dad installed a central heating system into the house we had just moved into. He left the last two gas joints for the plumber to do, they were the only ones that failed the test before the system was certified. Dad was a naval ordinance electrical engineer.

[@doodlegassum6959]

So, a master of ....two

[@diogenesegarden5152]

@@doodlegassum6959 not at all, that was merely an example of an ability to work out and achieve tasks outside his expertise, which I fortunately have inherited. I personally get bored very easily and probably have some form of undiagnosed ADHD, either that or I just enjoy novelty. Either way, every role I have worked in, from engineer to forester to data Comms and fibre optics, project management to gardening, I have been successful but moved on when the time was right. I even squeezed in a couple of degrees to see if I could do it. The only job I didn’t like, although it was pretty well paid, was sat in front of a computer all day amending technical drawings. I only lasted a month, when asked if I wanted t renew my contract I politely declined as I was bored shitless. I really couldn’t understand how people could do that sort of thing day in and day out without throwing themselves off the roof!

[@davidhollenshead4892]

Not at all, his father was likely a master of a dozen trades...@@doodlegassum6959

[@l.f.pliteframskrittsparti8660]

I’m an electrical engineer on a ship. If anyone asks for help or fall I’ll get the job done unless it’s making breakfast always show up just in time to eat it myself. When the steward cut his hand last year I stepped in and saved Christmas with food and decorations. One of the navigators recently requested me to bake a cake because he missed the coffee sweets/desserts I made during last Christmas. Another time we almost didn’t get cleared to sail because we were lacking two AB’s and needed at least one person with that type of competence with cargo, crane and rescue boat to sail. Guess who saved the day. Also daily assist the mechanical engineer with his tasks but I don’t count that in as extra since we’re in the same department. I previously worked as a repair technician for insurance company, security and telecommunications systems, a short time as carpenter, military service.

[@atomicskull6405]

Navy standards are very strict, Us Navy soldering standards are what NASA uses, it's the gold standard. Most consumer electronics fails the Navy standard for soldering. Basically anything done with lead free solder will fail because lead free solders cannot meet Navy quality standards for solder joints only SnPb solder can (and if you have ever soldered with SnPb and lead free you already know why this is)

[@thegoodnewsaccordingtochris]

That "educated vs intelligent" bit was spot on. Ive met many who have gone to school, got degrees, but still couldnt think their way out of a paper bag.

[@jimmypostell2373]

🎯🎯🎯

[@darrenwilkinson1742]

Sound engineer, electrician, sales engineer, cad designer, builder, IT network technician, plumber, chef and Dj sitting here thanking you for sharing your awesome take on why it’s ok to do many things and be a polymath. I frequently have solves for problems completely alien to others due to my understanding of a completely different discipline.

[@liudasmachina113]

ja man i just learned that i am a polymath and i am honored to have met another one :D

[@KrepsyK]

A real Renaissance man! Well done.

[@IamPreacherMan]

Same here brother. Accounting degree, HVAC school, military, musician, DJ, sailor, skier, etc and etc. LoL. I like growing things, tomatoes, roses, fungi, anything really.

[@nak3dxsnake]

I actually had my graphic design teachers confused by the fact that I wanted to know more about the print process than the design process. I was interested in everything from offset printings to pantones and they were just like you just have to bid the best offer at the best print shop and hope they get it right. It baffled me. That was just in that field though. I shoulda just went for fine art and rebuilt my love for creating. Instead I spent 5 years getting a 2 years degree to work for an art generating farm. Fuck that. I'm going back to building things, making art for me and trying to learn how to market it, sell it, and manage the earnings my self. Every single person between you and where your money comes from is taking their cut. It made me realize the only reason you should ever take a college course is if you don't know anything about the subject or you want to utilize the insight provide by the specific person professing the knowledge.

[@scottiemanners]

Haha so many DJ's in the comments. DJ Jive Wise here! And sound engineer, architect, graphic designer for posters and logos, map maker for off-road parks, welding, carpentry, remodeler (new support beams, stud walls, electric, masonry, gyp walls and cabinetry). Facebook marketplace and eBay flipper, Landscaper and gardener, drone pilot, cyclist, mountain biker, motocross rider, skier, kayaker, auto and small motor mechanic (lifted off-road vehicle). What I know I am NOT good at.... plumbing (but can fake it with shark bite), anything troubleshooting IT, sending it on extreme sports, motor teardowns, cleaning/keeping organized, finishing a project before jumping to the next.

[@r2ecko]

I came from being a Commercial Pilot, IT Technician, English teacher, Event Rigger, Cinematography and editor, to being a polymath in the trade industry and sole preprietor. I can thank Skill Builder for helping me with a lot of what I know today. I'm a proud carpenter, plumber, electrician, cabinetmaker, painter, plasterer, tiler, businessman. Thanks again Roger for being one of my teachers in this stage of my life 👨‍🔧👍

[@benmahdjoubharoun1467]

​@@adamd9166 he is commenting on this video that it is from the Skill Builder KZbin channel.

[@serious409]

Sounds like a handyman..

[@selliantuttimusi6735]

Ok, buy yourself a guitar now and become the next Jimmy Hendrix in 6 months.

[@stevebliss7042]

@2ecko you sound like the kinda guy I wanna talk to having been a producer, director, DOP, editor, chef, Web dev, designer and run an events company :)

[@solb101]

It’s useful having various skills and interests but if your marketing yourself for business and having to carry around a ton of different tools and materials it’s not that great.

[@angieoxford7092]

My dad and my husband are/were both polymaths. Their knowledge and capability has always astounded me. I pay attention to their work, hoping to learn as much as I can. One regret that I have is that my dad didn’t teach me what he knew. When I was young and would ask, he’d say, “You’re a girl, no need for you to learn this stuff. It’s hard work.”

[@mynameisreallycool1]

It's such a privilege to have parents who know a lot of practical skills AND don't gatekeep their knowledge from their kids due to laziness, sexism, or fragile ego.

[@xantiom]

Polymaths don't exist anymore, the last time of being a polymath was in the Renaissance. Actual polymath means absolute mastery of all branches of science. Back then it was possible because the sciences weren't that advanced. Today it is impossible.

[@dragonflydreamer7658]

First you should thank your Dad I was a girl who said let me try and my back is wrecked because when I grew up they said hey hard work never killed anyone well it dose kill a lot of people and it wrecks there body. My back my husbands back and my Dads back are all wrecked. The pain never go's away only gets worse.

[@MDAdams72668]

@@xantiom The definition of the word has nothing to do with mastery of all branches of science "A polymath is someone who has a great deal of knowledge in many different areas of study and is known for their ability to apply that knowledge to solve problems. The word "polymath" comes from the Greek word polymathós, which means "one who knows many things". Polymaths are often characterized by curiosity, continuous learning, and involvement in different areas."

[@angieoxford7092]

@@dragonflydreamer7658 I was picking okra at 3. I didn’t get out of all the work.

[@amyntas97jones29]

I can't understand why so many tradesmen become set in their ways and are unprepared to learn about new ideas. I'm 64 and do a lot of jobs myself. Recent I repointed my old house using the old method with quicklime. It's so interesting to learn about new things. Not only is it extremely interesting to keep learning, but it saves you a fortune and keeps the brain in good nick.

[@tenforward7485]

The answer is simple, you always earn more money by specialising in something and becoming very fast at it. All trade work now is on pricework, multi skilled tradesmen cannot earn enough to compete.

[@boyasaka]

I laugh at another plumber I follow on here He won’t do anything at all other than plumbing I recently watched him fit a new toilet and sink for a customer and he got a joiner in to cut 2 inches off a bit worktop that was only 38 cm wide 😂😂😂😂😂 A straight cut , took said joiner about 15 seconds 🙈

[@francissomadaly4043]

Couldn't get anyone to do my repointing. So I'm gonna do it myself

[@garnhamr]

That's why i DIY almost anything nowadays. save money... learn something new... winner winner

[@simcax6087]

It's simple: being a beginner is hard, especially if you're already an expert in an other field.

[@edwardzignot2681]

I work for a jack of all trades, I've learned an absolute ton of stuff from him. I was an English major before and have been reading and writing my entire life, also taught myself video and audio editing, but that was about it as far as skills. Now on top of that I know how to operate construction equipment, how to do floors, how to fix roofs, how to mill wood, a bit of carpentry, electrical, plumbing, welding, gardening, and landscaping. In about an hour and a half I'm going to spend the day clearing scrub trees and blackberry bushes off the property my boss owns, that I live on, deep in the mountains. I'm also a pretty good cook. I never would have dreamed that I'd end up with such a huge skill set. I've also become more confident as a result, in no small part due to me being in great shape due to the constant labor intensive work that I do. Who needs a gym when you're chopping down and hauling off trees by a river in the mountains. Trees that you can then mill down into useable pieces of wood that can be used for repairs or construction. Ever heard of a pop up cabin? I know how to make one now. Also taught myself a little bit of bushcraft. I'm essentially out here homesteading.

[@joshhickson7551]

That sounds like an amazing life, how did you find such a good opportunity? I work for a handyman but I'm in the suburbs.

[@aevveon]

@@joshhickson7551I’d love to know too, been a city guy all my life and this just sounds like everything I would want, stay in shape, learning useful trades, live in a serene environment…but I barely have any of those skills at all and idk where I’d be able to look to start lol

[@ISMAILOMAR_ISH3000]

My late Dad was pretty much a DIY "Do everything yourself man". He pretty much was a self-taught/ self-made man that managed to do everything from helping us with our college assignments (Accounting for my elder brother, Computer science for me, and Law for my younger sister etc), to doing the final works on the (back then) newly built house (plumbing, tiling, wood works etc). Ever since he passed, I have noticed my mom (now in her 70's) slowly taking up those traits and even doing a far better job than I would..

[@Ken-P]

Roger's one of the few people on KZbin who can bang on for nearly 17 minutes and keep me 100% concentrated on what he's saying 😁 It's always a pleasure to listen to a down to earth person talking common sense 😁

[@SkillBuilder]

Thanks Ken, I must confess I got bored half way through. (Roger)

[@spanishpeaches2930]

​@@SkillBuilderhahaha!

[@FlorinBaci]

Are you kidding? I put something to fall asleep over, and 15 seconds passes, I got up and watched it, almost forgot to breathe till the end... 😂😂

[@krysieks]

He is master of that one! :D

[@leswhittaker5003]

What a cracking rant, so much is so true to life, it's frightening. I am of an age though where I can remember when all walks of life had pride in what they did. The're very hard to find now.

[@deanhoward7534]

I have always felt less than others because I never specialized. I've often been referred to as a jack of all trades and master of none. This has been quite encouraging 😊

[@id01_01]

Same... I have be blessed/cursed with insatiable curiosity. If I am not learning something new I grow restless.

[@lamppuu1]

​@@id01_01 i am exactly the same. If im not learning, im quitting!

[@phrostedbaron]

A jack of all trades is a master of none however often times better than a master at one.

[@charlestona3865]

Be proud of every skill and project! I’ve learned that all those “unrelated” skills do intersect at times in life and when it does you’ll be ready! Not to mention it just feels good to know about a lot of different things.

[@AaaaandAction]

Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. For me the main objection to employing specialist tradesmen is how long it takes to get them on site. I waited and waited for a digger driver to arrive to dig the footings of my house build to the point where after two weeks of excuses and delays I told him to f*ck off and hired the digger myself. It was easy and I ended up building the whole house, saving tens of thousands and the inspector said it was better built than most houses he dealt with. Now I have all the tools, a load of new skills and a healthy disregard for so many of the self-proclaimed skilled tradesmen. There are no trade secrets anymore with the internet. Get the tools, think out the process, read the material advice and take your time.

[@thursday4267]

I live in a rural fly over state in the US and most tradesman are jacks of all trades. It comes from necessity, not being in a big area. It’s not uncommon to find construction crews and handymen teams of just 1-4 people who know how to do everything on a house. I think it’s highly prized in the states or at least locally to be able to be a artistic generalist.

[@Sstantial]

Yes, exactly!!! I think this is a "European thing" from what I see. I live in New England but worked overseas and lived in Germany for a few years, met my wife there, and long since have been living in NH. My European in-laws see me use a chainsaw in horror because "only professionals have chainsaws or allowed to cut a tree" - I do my own automotive work including changing tires, same thing. I am a DIY on just about everything (home furnace and hot water heater cleaning, electrical upgrades, welding, woodwork, etc) and my in-laws have office jobs and "farm out" absolutely everything to be done for them. They say many aspects they are not even allowed to do as regular citizens!

[@thursday4267]

@@Sstantialwow really? That’s really interesting to think they’re “not allowed” to do stuff. I worked for a friend who owns a tree service company, and he isn’t a “licensed arborist” but has done free work for 20+ years, self employed, not even a hs diploma. No wonder everyone thinks America is wild lol 🇺🇸 😅

[@jamesdavison2416]

Yes - Exactly ... Artistry (caring)

[@jamesdavison2416]

@@Sstantialyeah well the Germans have been lied to by their overlords for too long now

[@simonebernacchia5724]

@@Sstantial Well, the American Funniest Videos of people cutting trees did not help to make them feel secure -_-

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

I received a..."I would not tell you how to do your job" from a local plumber because I wanted to discuss how he was going to do the job lol. I asked him to leave and next day did it myself...and made a better job than other plumbers that I have seen. After a local inspector finished testing/inspecting my house wiring he looked me in the eye and asked me if I had done it myself. I confessed that I had and I asked him how he knew...he said it was all completed correctly and was too neat for an electrician to have done it. You talk a lot of sense Rodger, most refreshing.

[@LTDLetsPlays]

If inspector said that then those electricians should be fired if that is how messy and incompetent they seem to be

[@evm6177]

​@@LTDLetsPlaysAWW MESSY BOO HOO!!.. Admit it you would do it just the same probably even worse, unless the job was for your own personal requirement.

[@cavalieroutdoors6036]

@@evm6177 It's easy fro someone that's never worked a job for 5, 10, 15 years to be unable to understand how easy it is to not give a damn after a decade of doing the same thing the same way, all while having your boss (or your boss's boss) constantly pushing for speed above all else, quality be damned. Especially if you are simultaneously underpaid for the privilege of being berated all day and working your hands to the bone.

[@Tegelane5]

@@LTDLetsPlays I do electrics and it's not about incompetency, it's nice if wires are bent neatly but there is no time and let's be honest no need either. It's basically, does one park a car in a quick trip to shop like in exam?

[@ianlaccohee7180]

100%, spot on. I left school with nothing. I got an apprenticeship as a mechanic, then joined the army. When I was 38 I moved to Florida & bought an irrigation company. I knew nothing about it, but knew I had what it took to learn & succeed. I had staff that couldn’t do certain jobs, & didn’t want to learn either. I used to pay bonus on the revenue they brought in. Installing certain higher value products meant bigger bonuses, but they still didn’t want to learn, so I gave the high value work to other lads, or would do it myself. I sent them on courses, but I could never understand why they didn’t want to use the additional skills, & get paid extra to do it. They lacked confidence & were afraid to make mistakes. Who doesn’t want to earn extra money? I sold the business last year & moved back to England. My wife still works for the company & says the same guys are still the same.

[@silkroad1201]

The same guys will complain that they aren't paid fairly and their boss is a jerk

[@justforyou8790]

they go to work because they feel like they have to and don't view it as something that gives meaning or is worth expanding on. every second they spend working is time wasted in their mind. do as little work as possible then =

[@scottguitar8168]

I don't want to earn extra money and would do my best to avoid overtime. It is true that I wanted to earn a certain amount of money and got the skills to earn that money. Extra money is nice but I could care less about it at a certain income level. I have also been self employed and can tell you when it is your business you are going to put in the time required to make it work compared to being compensated by an employer for particular skills. I have worked in many different technical fields and find many people incapable or reluctant to learn and even some who can learn it but can't seem to apply it.

[@Youshallbeeatenbyme]

Just because they don't want to do the work for you doesn't mean they're not learning different things. More money doesn't equate to a better experience of life. Living life with a balance of work, passions, downtime, etc... is necessary for most humans. If you have a drive, and you want to make money, that's on you. If you don't, that doesn't make you any less of a person.

[@tonystark701]

We are punished for making mistakes. Our school systems are designed to punish us when we make mistakes. Thus, you have employees who don't want to apply new skill(s) because they're afraid of making mistakes and getting punished for it.

[@Nezumi--]

... i did a job interview and when asked why i had several hobbies listed at the end of my resume, i actually did answer that "growing up i really really wanted to be a polymath like da vinci and then i found out i'm not smart enough" and the interviewer laughed and i got the job. >_> as an audhder, part of my "jack of all trades" is just... dopamine-searching brain mixed with tendency for monotropic thinking/hyperfocus. i've picked up many skills along the way, many hobbies, many topics that i just obsessed over... so when people try to use "jack of all trades" as an insult, at least for me, it seems incredibly short-sighted and ... kinda ableist mentality..

[@bhante1345]

My cat's breath smells like cat food.

[@yelvic-644]

@@bhante1345

[@kyle6725]

Spot on, it's scary to know how little people understand about literally everything that makes their modern world run.

[@johnf3326]

I've rewired a house (got it passed by a proper sparky), installed a complete central heating system, done roofing work, bricklaying, tiling, fitted joists and floors in lofts, replaced double glazing units, fitted my own alarm, laid flags. I can't plaster though and obviously not allowed to touch gas! I am not a tradesman I worked as a civil engineer but am self taught and usually do a great job, but very slowly! Tinker with motorbike mechanics too and the odd bit of baking! Being retired if you sit on your arse you will soon die of boredom and inactivity! So I don't!

[@jimh4072]

Same here. I have learned a lot of skills over the last 11 years from renovating my last house with virtually no money. I just learned from videos here and reading a lot then trying my hand at it slowly. I ended up selling the last house in 2022 and bought the current house for cash without any mortgage purely from the profit on the last house. I took early retirement and got a job part time in a government department, they wanted to know if I would apply for a management job and go full time, I said no. I am only there for the regular pay in case I want another small mortgage to buy a house in France next year. I can make more money from finishing this house and selling it.

[@HumansAreShitFactories]

Well this is all lovely aggrandisement (or despicable).

[@eladlutz]

I have been a Handyman for 50 years, and a nurse, an industrial electrician mechanic welder carpenter a writer a speaker, you name it I've done it but I have never heard anyone explain this phenomenon. You are so very freakin correct sir, I get this feeling you and I were cut from the same cloth.

[@paullongley1221]

Once again Roger you hit the nail on the head, literally. I’m 57 years old and you’ve described my life experiences exactly. Finding a senior manager who rose up from the shop floor is almost unheard of. The employers who give the most grief and are the most difficult ( or impossible) to work for are the ones with least experience . That’s probably why I’ve ended up working for motorcaravan companies, I get woodworking, plumbing, LV and ELV electrical work, solar lithium, gas, and mechanical plus body work all on the same day. 👍👍😁

[@spawn8641]

Can't agree more only thing im missing is gas even do carpert repairs and wash.

[@paulfarrelly9249]

so true, in my day the site agent was always a crippled joiner. now its a twentysomething out of uni telling a 50 year old labourer how to shovel sand!

[@H.A.L9000]

"AND THEN I BECAME A PLUBMER AGAIN" Sir, asides from being an inspiration at such age, you just made my day

[@moniquelemaire5333]

The title caught my eye. Polymath here: former LPGA. Golf Teaching Pro, run my own golf school. Piano teacher ...still run my own music school. Christian minister: counseling, Bible teaching, training other upcoming ministers. Self taught cook. Have cooked for local church and have done fundraising selling pies!!! Just like you, Sir, I am trying to figure out KZbin 😮. Thank you, Roger!!! Yes, it is tough to he a polymath....I tend to be very misunderstood. May God bless you and your family 🙏. Miss Monique 🙂🌷🙏🕊️

[@jeremyotero4575]

my golf game is hard,, but im still trying, and my new recoding studio is up and running,, but its very difficult... i must admit.

[@jim_jim1674]

Inspiring. It's like a TED talk.

[@jonathanhowson6420]

For the working man

[@petergriffiths4846]

Much appreciated Roger. Multi trade, multi skilled, on smaller projects it makes for efficiency. Nothing depresses me more than tradespeople who think there's nothing left to learn. The know-it-all. Have an adventure, try a different way. Grow. But you'll need a lot of tools!

[@maticjelovcan]

Trades like everything else worthwhile is an expensive sport. But man is it rewarding :)

[@Strider9655]

"The wise man knows that he knows nothing at all" Chinese proverb However if the other person is a f**king idiot who wants to me to do something that I know isn't right, like twisting mains wire together and wrapping them in PVC tape inside a piece of expensive medical equipment, then yes i'll come across as a "know it all" when I want to use butt splice crimps. It works both ways, some people are too f**king stupid to listen to the voice of experience, and when that stupidity is combined with authority, it never ends well.

[@_sleepyFox-oh6ob]

Im one of those. Used to do home and apartment renovations (full spectrum), got my 608 EPA cert, worked on domestic refrigeration for a while, joined the pipefitters union and learned welding, soldering, brazing, mechanical room demolition and rebuild (chilled water, heating systems, boilers, steam systems, hot water heaters, industrial process controls, DDC controls, building automation systems, 24v through 480 v single/3 phase electrical, chillers, vav systems, you name it), turned into a government hvac manager and learned to work with engineers on mechanical system design and such, got into an industrial hvac company, am currently learning computer programming and game design/development, used to draw and paint a lot, won competitions, got into airbrushing, got into creative writing, etc. Learning and implementing new skills is one of my favorite things to do. In my mind, everything is a skill, there is no such thing as talent, and everything can be learned.

[@71499lion]

As an electrical engineering major right now, I’ve realized that schooling for engineering, no matter the specialization, is all the same just different flavors. It’s all centered around the ability to problem solve and learn. It’s the one type of degree that I can confidently say trains you to be able to do anything, not because it teaches everything, but because it prepares you to face any problem. I’ve never liked the idea of being a “master of one” so that’s probably why I gravitated towards engineering

[@igboman2860]

Lol good luck, going to work in a refinery as a process engineer with your electrical engineering degree

[@71499lion]

@@igboman2860 why would I work there???

[@-Nick-T]

you will learn soon that your path has definite edges!

[@NastySasquatch]

​@igboman2860 I've done it. Generally ees are the best mathematical engineers. Other disciplines can't even do basic math. Anyone who doesn't have a basic EE understanding is useless in the current work climate.

[@majorhumbert676]

The exact same phenomenon exists in programming. Maybe it works for you to be a specialist if you're in a huge corporation, but even then, you're going to stagnate while the generalist will shoot past you. And if you want something done, it's better to have one experienced generalist than one specialist in each subject at hand.

[@HaleyOnTheRocks]

This video reminds me of my dad, through and through. He started with landscaping and general labor moved on to carpentry and from always being willing to learn, he is now a superintendent for a construction company and I’m so proud of him/look up to him so much. Had to share

[@shed.projects5150]

I moved in to a council house 45yrs ago, bought it cheap, ( £8000 ) ,gutted it, completely rebuilt it from the ground up , on my own, with a little help from her indoors when needed. In fact, I am still at it, just finished my third kitchen upgrade. There is literally nothing that I haven't done myself, I wont be specific as I don't want to incriminate myself, LOL. I reckon I have saved myself at least £70,000 on labour, and enjoyed nearly every bit of it. I'm in my mid 70s now, so I hope I will be finished soon. ( as if. ). Thanks for the vid.

[@muppit666]

As a person that started out as a brick layer with a company that had a great range of tradesmen employed, when the brickwork was slow we worked with the other trades, learning plastering carpentry and plumbing. Great grounding knowing what the other trades need from you as you were working as you could see problems before they became an issue. As an apprentice we were told always ask questions if you want to know something, always keep your ears and eyes open and you will always learn something new. After many years I went into night school and learnt electrical work and after several years doing that got a job in the heating industry. Got good at that. Every company I’ve ever worked for new my worth as they could send me to do a good job without hold ups as you pointed out waiting for other trades to turn up. Always had good rapport with the clients and retired with good name intact. Carry on ranting Roger. Sometimes it’s warranted. 😜

[@MrReyRomantico]

This is one of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen. This video resonated with me since I am from a family of "handymen" that did everything. We came to the states and made a very good living. My grandfather, who was not a handyman, but a professional gambler, told me when I was very young to not only go to school, but always learn more than two trades. He also made sure since that I learned our native language. With a Masters degree, what has saved my life more than two degrees in almost everything that I do are two things... being willing to do whatever occupation that can put food on the table (and I have literally been the butcher , the baker and the candle stick maker, before moving into corporate work) and speaking and writing Spanish fluently. Thank you for communicating the noblest of goals, that of the polymath. It doesn't mean you should jump around and do a million things, it means that you are good at what you do and that you know how to get the job done right . God bless you and again thanks for being an inspiration.

[@adamelliott2302]

Ever since I was a young chap I could never imagine doing 1 thing my whole life. A bit over half my statistical allotted years and I'm steady trying new things and developing new skills, making a good living with most of them. It truly gives me massive appreciation for the people and the world around me.

[@guywilkinson]

Great topic: Crucially what a polymath does is develop their ability to judge their own quality of work and keep improving/developing what they do, whilst applying those skills across all the trades they perform. Learning something new is often worth more than money, as that will come when you have greater breadth of expertise. The "Don Logan Treatment", had me in stitches and yes....got that T-Shirt.

[@SkillBuilder]

Yes it should have been Don Logan but nobody has picked up on that

[@evm6177]

Lol 🤣

[@OmahaLasse]

My mentor taught me an old saying that fits in this in a way. "Most people do what they can, a blacksmith does what needs to get done" It's partly a mental thing for the people who end up as blacksmiths and partly the reality as us blacksmiths tend to do at bare minimum woodworking, leatherwork and so on. Personally I was on my way to university physics career but decided to go with my interest. I went for handcrafts. I also self taught fixing cars, wiring electrics to some degree, worked as a machinist, farm head, restaurant business and the list goes on. If I get interested about something, I look into it and learn. "How difficult that can be?"

[@DIYGUY1-2-3]

Once again telling it like it is. Great rant and full of great facts. I now consider myself a Polymath. Building, roads and civils, mining construction, carpentry, art, sculpture, poet, story writer, recycling and renovating items, electrics, structural steel erector, carsalesman, real estate agent, husband, father and grand father. Always challenging myself. Next project solar. I originally qualified as a Tool Maker. Now 72 and still going. Cheers (with my own home brewed beer) 😂😂

[@mattcole6230]

Bravo Roger. I've said it for years, the domestic building trades in this country are abysmal. They treat the general public like imbeciles, granted some are, but the rest just want a good job done at a fair price. Guess what, wait until all these plumbers are installing heat pumps, we haven't seen the full effect of incompetence!

[@peterdilworth9282]

Hi Roger (I hope I’m not being too familiar as we have never met) I have very much enjoyed a number of your you tube videos - but really enjoyed this one (Jack of all trades). I am an engineer with 46 years experience in the construction industry - civils, building, environmental, etc. etc. You are never too old to learn - I learn something new nearly every day. Myself and my wife have built (only) 8 houses (self build), fitted numerous kitchens and bathrooms, etc. including wiring and plumbing. My wife has stacked 6 inch solids, dug drainage trenches, mixed concrete, painted whole houses (with help) and never once played tennis in the week. these are useful skills when your kids are getting into the housing market. I really like your approach to (critique of) the flaws in the building industry. It is absolutely spot on - as you would expect from an intelligent person who has spent their life in related endeavours. Keep it up please - and maybe we might see more respect for the professionalism of our industry, better clients and fewer cowboys. We live in hope. Best Wishes I know a plasterer who learned his trade from his dad and whilst he can turn his hand to many things - he is the best plasterer I have ever known.

[@SkillBuilder]

Hello Peter. No problem with calling me Roger it is my name. I am glad you enjoy the channel we keep plugging away but it is getting harder.

[@TheJonathanNewton]

Thank you so much. This gave me a bit of new hope and courage. Once upon a time, being a polymath was highly revered. Let’s raise that banner again.

[@tacline2]

Thank you, Roger, this video is very important as a motivator to so many people. You probably don't realize the impact a simple video like this can have on a person, but your message can and literally has changed hundreds if not thousands of lives already. Even if you only give a single person the tools they need to improve their lives, you are a success at the very least. Thank you for showing people that they do not have to limit themselves.

[@SkillBuilder]

Well said!

[@rexbrown1255]

Love this video. Never understood why people limit themselves to some label they've allowed others to bestow upon them. I'm a retired HVAC TECH but I'm also a certified electrical instructor and can wire a house. Pretty good at plumbing as well and have installed several water heaters and dishwashers. I know lots of guys in these trades though who are intimidated about automotive repair. I don't get that either because it seems to me that if you have a mind for technical things you should be able to apply that talent to most anything. I grew up on a farm and was taught by my dad how to work on all of our machinery including tractors, trucks, cars, etc. Out of necessity, as a poor newly wed, I always did our car repairs from tune-ups to brake jobs. People just seem to get into a mindset that they have to stay within some definable category and never venture outside those boundaries. People seem to think that if you don't have a document issued by a college or government entity then you can't legitimately be skilled at it. That's bullshit! He'll, I've replaced many a A/C compressor on cars and trucks for people and picked up a few extra bucks like that. Made lots of money charging them half what a " legitimate " garage would charge them. Hold your head up and go forth boldly people!

[@jamesdavison2416]

Well Said Mate!

[@simonebernacchia5724]

I could replace spark plugs, put oiil or coolant but bigger stuff do in fact have me intimidated also because if it breaks after is usual big $$$ that i don't have

[@badart3204]

Failure is financially punishing. You grew up on a farm being taught mechanical stuff as a child so you already had a mechanical understanding transferable to automobiles which isn’t close at all to having 0 knowledge to start out with. People with 0 mechanical background are going to be reasonably sketched out of doing that stuff bc they don’t even know how an engine works bc not everyone has a dad that teaches them that stuff and if they screw up it’s $$$$$$ vs just paying someone else and not risking thousands in damages

[@Vaelin404]

We're getting building work done on our house right now and our builder is a jack of all trades. When he was younger he worked with his dad who taught him everything. His main trade is as an electrician, but most of what he does is actually construction work and joinery. He is also a capable plumber. I've seen the quality of his work first hand and I know we have someone very special working for us. He really cares about what he does and is an extremely hard worker. He is also fantastic to consult about stuff he isn't able to do, such as working with the boiler, because he has such wide experience. He is a skilled craftsman and I have huge respect for his knowledge and expertise.

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

It is nice when you can find someone that you can trust 😊

[@weeksyintheworkshop]

And from the other side, it's nice when people feel that they can trust you! Even nicer when you have a customer like @Vaelin404 who clearly respects and appreciates your skill. I take pride in the work that I do for people and will go above and beyond to help people with Vaelin404's attitude.

[@dumyjobby]

I studied to become an electrician, but find a job as a helping hand for a plumber, did some small electrical jobs here and there, some small plumbing jobs here and there by myself, aducated as much as I could for both trades and after a year I left the job and work by myself. I get a lot of work because it's easier for my client since he doesn't have to worry with 2 tradesman, also I like carpentry and I do things around my house since I like woodworking and because I got the tools needed for carpentry and I'm decent at it if the job needs a bit of wood working I can do that. Because I can do all these things I get a lot of work and also very important, the job doesn't become monotone since you always do something different.

[@michaelosborne3113]

What people don't think about is how much skills translate, or how taking something from one field could solve a problem with another field. I have thought of myself as a jack of all trades and thought it was a bad thing because I've been job hunting and everyone seems to want a specialist in something. Or worse, if they want someone who can do it all the pay is garbage with the workload. So, this video inspired me a bit. I've drawn, painted, sculpted, done photography, majored in graphic design and then switched to video production, worked on theater sets and props, worked on a few short films, messed with animation, etc... All throughout varying parts of my life, education, and experience. I'm not the best at one, but I am decent at most of these fields and some ideas and techniques transfer to others. I will say that I should work on these skills to refine them, and I do from time to time, but it gets hard sometimes. I really wish someone would hire me...

[@nickschlesinger5840]

Excellent video as always Roger. I spent 25 fantastic years working behind the camera on movies and tv commercials, when I became disillusioned with that business (mainly due to endless arguments about salary) I decided to retrain as a Gas & Heating Engineer and Plumber. I then spent the next 12 years involved in numerous property renovations and repairs. I thoroughly enjoyed every day I was at work, generally due to being ‘valued’ as a quality tradesman. And I never had any problems with quotes or invoices, marvellous! Just goes to show that a change is as good as a rest.

[@davidflorey]

As an IT specialist, I often dabble in the trades of electronics, electrical, furniture construction (from scratch, not kits), and outdoor construction. Also renovated my laundry at my previous house which looked way better than the bathrooms and kitchen that came with the house. We should all try to diversify our skills!

[@land3021]

As someone with GAD, OCD, ADHD, & ASD, I can relate. My OCD definitely makes me question if any of this is good for my mental health, BUT simultaneously, I feel immense pleasure in being the unique individual I am regardless of my ailments that give me both massive advantages, and massive disadvantages, which surely, if I just knew which part of the brain I could fix up to be rid of those massive disadvantages, I would have done so already, granted, I'd need surgical expertise and equipment, but lets "not" get hyper-fixated on "semantics".

[@jamesdavison2416]

lols Take Care Mate!

[@doubtingtom92]

As someone who works in building maintenance, I was initially worried that working in this field would lead me to not mastering any of the one trades, but after 6 years, I've learned that I love the variety of work that gets thrown my way. It keeps things fresh and I get to learn new things every day. Half of my job tho is just going around correcting the work that other "specialists" did incorrectly. I appreciate your perspective on this topic. There's nothing wrong with being a jack of all trades, as long as you have integrity and commit to doing things correctly. It's been very easy to get a reputation for being a reliable worker when everyone around you is cutting corners and doing things wrong because "that's the way I've always done it." Great video sir!

[@andywalkerchannel]

I have to say, Roger, that was absolutely fantastic. Well said. So many points to take on board there and everyone in the UK should watch this. They won't, of course, but they should. Keep going and all strength to you.

[@ninjakiwigames5418]

I get bored doing just one thing and always want to try out new things, but I'm also a bit afraid of not mastering any of them. Thank you for making this video, to make me more sure to peruse other interests.

[@Albahills]

Spot on Roger. As a plumber, I found it extremely difficult to find a company I could work for who would let you do a proper job of thing and not using crap materials and cutting corners just for profiteering. Started my own company but far too many customers only interested in cheap job . Not a good job. I'm in a new industry now. Not nearly the same job satisfaction but I may be able to find something more fulfilling someday.

[@peefor135]

Absolutely brilliant Roger. Liked the bit about the dentist with rusty mole-grips. As what can be described as a DiY'er, i.e. untrained in everything, I get very perplexed at these so called specialist trades who look down their noses at any DiY person. It is thanks to people like you, and others like Robin Clevett, who willingly share their knowledge, and demonstrate how things should be done, provide an easy path to follow. As the Essential Craftsman would say "Keep up the good work".

[@DICEGEORGE]

Robin Clevett

[@peefor135]

Sorry, yes of course, but you know who I meant. Now edited.

[@tomsmith9048]

But their showing you how to do it for personal use not to go out and charge someone else that's the difference

[@paulfarrelly9249]

I agree with all, but lets not bad mouth rusty molegrips.

[@anthonymeyers1040]

Hello Roger, thanks for bigging up handyman )) 23 years in the business & able to turn my hand to most things" moving from London to devon" just can't get my head around all these weird & wonderfull things growing out the walks & wood work!! Cheers Tony from Tavistock.

[@BigJProductions]

Roger you're a diamond! you've really confirmed what I suspected about myself for a long time. I'm a qualified mechanic, bricklayer and Scuba instructor. I have an Uni diploma in Politics and economics and I'm now studying BIM at level 7. all this and occasionally I've been scoffed at by immigration and lad on site as a "jack of all trades" as if it were a bad thing. In my younger days I was hurt and confused by their remarks but now I just pity them and their ignorance.

[@DaleNorthEast]

Glass collector, self employed parcel delivery, monumental stonemason, self employed rendering work, professional cleaner/carpet cleaner, HIAB (crane + truck) Driver, now i own a stained glass business that I started, between all of this I've taught myself to do any and all home & car repairs, I can build, have done flat roofs, tiled roofs, all the joinery underneath said tiles, patios, whatever...I can do anything I want to, I'm 30 next month! I get called an old head fairly often. Appreciate this video!

[@davidspradley9182]

Mr. Jack, You are a super confidence booster when we sometimes ask ourselves why we aren't a master of anything. It really makes one appreciate what we DO know! Thank you

[@keithkench9432]

Bang on the button roger, worked for myself for 40yrs plus and do almost everything, that way i'm never let down or ripped off, and i'm never board with work, never been short of work either. nice to hear some old school sence being spoken.

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

I only learned other trades through needing another tradesmen myself and they seemed so unreliable I had little choice but to sort jobs myself. Even down to installing my own oil boiler 7 years ago, 2 heating engineers let me down in succession so I just got on with it. Been serviced annually by a qualified engineer who has not reported any issues. Same with plastering, some brickwork and carpentry. Would much prefer to pay somebody but unless the jobs are over a couple of grand in value and fairly simple I found trades were not interested. Building up to retirement now, back is killing me, knees shot to bits so soon I will have no choice but to rely on these people, I'm not really looking forward to it.

[@jimh4072]

I ended up doing the same in my last house. The trouble I had trying to get work done the way I wanted at a decent rate you would not believe. I ended up doing most of the work myself apart from the gas boiler and the electrical work at the meter and skimming walls. I installed firrings and levelled all the upstairs floors, did all door linings, hung doors, stud walls, insulation, pvc windows and doors, tiling, rendering, all flooring, architraves and skirting, plumbing, installed kitchen all myself. Probably saved a fortune, now in my next house I know I can do it again.

[@Brynoize]

You didn't learn a trade, you copied something you have seen on youtube.

[@tinytonymaloney7832]

@@Brynoize Tube wasn't even around in the 80s mate 😂😂

[@Brynoize]

@@tinytonymaloney7832You said 7 years ago but okay, let's pretend you meant 37 years ago, you still didn't learn a trade copying something you had seen.

[@axlakaisuzu]

I'm a 26yo architect from Brazil. I gave up on being a hacker when I was young(er) because back then, no one would take that as a job (it was actually considered only a synonym of a criminal here) and now, I've decided to switch careers. I'm graduating as a software engineer and I wanna specialise in cyber security. That is until I feel I can safely move to my next passion, mechanical engineering, to fix my motorcycles, cars and whatnot. I was wondering the other day if that was wrong, this urge to be a jack of all trades. No matter how much I type here, you wouldn't have any idea of how much I appreciated watching this video, Sir... Thank you. Thank you so much for sharing that.

[@monstrositylabs]

Spot on. I have always encouraged the lost art of generalism. Todays hyper focussed world leaves people susceptible to being swindled. For example, if you don't know a little bit about economics, the politician can sell you a duffer economy. Etc

[@samplumbe3288]

Love being a Jack of all trades. Too impatient to wait for others so have always learnt to give other things ago as I would get bored otherwise.

[@localgrassfieldboneshandler]

sometimes you have to, and if no one can do it as you want it, it's best to do it yourself

[@HerrPoopschitz]

@@localgrassfieldboneshandleragreed. My problem isn’t the wait, it’s the idea of accepting an insultingly mediocre level of quality received while handing over hard earned money to some slacker that drives me to do everything myself

[@MikeC1]

The first time I ever drove a manual transmission was on a test drive when I was shopping for my Jeep Wrangler. I specifically wanted it manual. Lied to the salesman saying I had tried it once a while back, but all I had done was watch a few KZbin videos to prepare. Carefully eased into it with a touch of coaching from the salesman, but did a decent lap around the neighborhood, back to the dealership. Was a while back, but I'm pretty sure I didn't grind the gears once, which was my biggest worry going in. Was probably a little extra wear on the clutch for the 10 minute drive because of how slow and deliberate I was being in getting movements right, especially starting from a dead stop. Think I only stalled once out the gate. Also liked playing with flight sims when I was a kid. Recently got one that worked with my VR rig. Sat down in a VR Cesna, from the recesses of my memory and some careful intuition I was able to cold start, take off, fly around, and land. Landing was pretty good too, considering how bad I was with a single monitor on MS Flight Sim 2000. Amazing what depth perception does. Gun to head, I could probably fly a small aircraft and not die. People would be surprised what they could do if they put their minds to it.

[@theramblingrobertson62]

That was hilarious, Roger! 😂 you should add stand up comedy to your skill set! I've been a multiskilled tradesman for 40 years and yes, we are MASSIVELY undervalued until we actually put the bill in. We save clients thousands on jobs where they'd pay this much more per hour for an electrician' and that much more per hour for a plumber, or floor layer, or kitchen fitter etc. We may do each of those jobs more slowly but we take just as much pride in our work and ultimately provide the same finished product at less cost. Life is good and I am grateful to always have a full order book of both return customers, and new customers that they've recommended me to. Take care Mate. You talk the talk but you most certainly back it up by walking the walk!

[@scabthecat]

Jacks save you money.

[@ricos1497]

If you don't mind me asking, what are your limits, and what is your specified trade? For example, I can fit a kitchen (have done) and can do wiring, plumb in sinks and so on, but I'm not actually qualified to do any of them. Is there a point at which you can't do the above in terms of a customer's (or your own) insurance? Did you have to get a qualification in each trade in order to do the part required? Or as long as you avoid things like heating and the fusebox, are you okay to crack on? I'm just curious as to what's involved in becoming the jack of all trades. Cheers!

[@richardmcdougall233]

I think a tradesman knows all the tricks and quicker and better than handyman in my experience. For example a kitchen fitter is quicker and better than a joiner fitting a kitchen. A dry stone dyker is faster and better than builder . A scaffolder is quicker and better than a general handyman.

[@theramblingrobertson62]

@@ricos1497 any major electrical work I carry out is ok'd by a certified electrician that I also do a lot of work for. He completes a PCI for me and I repay him with work on his own property.

[@sianwilliams9550]

I am interested in this answer too!

[@RVBuilding]

My Father taught me never to be afraid of trying something new. He would say it took a team of experts to build the Titanic and one man to build the Ark.

[@YAWN....]

Only difference being is that the ark is a childrens story

[@ch1proy60]

Your right, the experts built the Titanic and .....

[@klimenz]

...and the Ark never happened :)

[@bv2999]

Roger that! _This is hands down one of the most valuable videos on KZbin!!! BTW - He's not kiddin abou the French. My French speaking father-in-law, a Yank deployed with US Forces serving with NATO, had the unpleasant task of telling his Commanding Officer that the reason the very overdue French Units had not yet arrived for the start of Maneuvers is that the Wine Trucks were running late and they refused to move without them. True story.

[@MaxxTheSavage]

Being able to see something done once, understand what's happening and why, and replicating it perfectly is something else you gain from this way of learning. Never cease trying to learn. Gathering knowledge and passing it on is the meaning of life ❤

[@sharonmc5192]

This could apply to so many walks of life. I’m a graphic designer but have dabbled in many fields over the years (web/print/digital) and can apply many design elements across various areas. I prefer the term multi skilled. I also love to give new things a try with DIY and have tried carpentry and brickwork this year. I love it and the satisfaction you get from learning a new skill!

[@JQ_Unity]

This is why I have a ME undergrad with a minor in EE and a systems engineering masters that my job paid for. I've been a jack of all trades all my life and I'm only ever expanding my knowledge. People in my work come to me when they want stuff done in a short time line without having to get advice from several other different technical individuals. Home remodeling, electrical, plumbing, TIG/mig welding, auto mechanic, fabricator, you name it. I'll do it

[@jellibeen1979]

I hate being called a handyman. I'm a carpenter that can do most trades, if I can't I learn and learn.

[@chesshooligan1282]

Nothing wrong with being a handyman, but if being a handyman bothers you, perhaps your could call yourself "an engineer," like boilermen do?

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

I find the handyman title is usually aimed at very basic stuff, like putting up shelves, curtain poles, window blinds, paint touch up, damaged wall filling, that sort of thing. Anything that requires trade qualifications, such as electric, plumbing, HVAC, then you're more into multi skilled engineer, facilities engineer, building services engineer. I guess carpentry has rather faded from where it used to be. With the introduction of dry wall systems, readymade kitchen pods etc, its diluted much of the skill and general building knowledge that joiners used to learn. Whereas electrics is now a huge part of construction, especially with renewables, EV's and the eventual end of gas boilers.

[@chesshooligan1282]

@@idi0tdetectioninprogress Back in my day and in my country of birth, an engineer was someone who had done six years of university, including lots of hard-core physics and maths courses. He (it would be a male in 95+ per cent of cases) would have the knowledge to build rockets that put people on the moon or to design a nuclear reactor, for example. In this day and age and in the UK, an engineer is a bloke who knows how to fix your boiler. If a boilerman can call himself a "heating engineer," I don't see why a handyman can't call himself a "general maintainance engineer" or why a Macdonalds worker can't call himself a "burger-flipping engineer."

[@idi0tdetectioninprogress]

@@chesshooligan1282 I guess if you're old school you'll only recognise engineers with a degree. Personally, I don't have an issue with M&E trades calling themselves engineers, dependant on what their level and job role is. I've never seen a "handyman" be expected to hold any trade qualification whatsoever. That's always been clearly defined as far as I see. The expectation of a handyman isnt to get involved with systems which are specifically controlled by regulation or Law. If the OP is a qualified tradesman, and doesn't like his "handyman" title, then maybe he's in the wrong job.

[@chesshooligan1282]

@@idi0tdetectioninprogress What I recognise as an engineer is completely irrelevant, and even having a degree can be irrelevant. I've met a person with a degree in French who could barely speak French. I'm a mathematician with a four-year degree from a top American uni and I've met an amateur mathematician who probably knew more maths than me. I've seen about 10 orthodontists in my life and only one who knew what the fuck he was doing. He was Mexican and not qualified as an orthodontist. He told me orthodontics is a scam and he could sort me out in a couple of months for $175 using those plastic removable gadgets. I thought he was crazy, but I had a go out of curiosity and because I was broke. He sorted me out. He did what 9 others couldn't do, and for the amount some of them charge for one visit. What profit did he make after paying for materials? A tenner? So... whether someone calls himself an engineer or other people do is irrelevant, at least in my opinion. Still, it's kind of weird to use the same term as a qualifier for both a boilerman and a nuclear reactor designer. I completely agree with you. If a handyman is ashamed of being a handyman, it sounds like he's in the wrong profession. Perhaps he should get off his ass and become an aerospace engineer?

[@gillscorner794]

Totally agree, at the very least, having skills in different trades means that you know what's involved in other trades and can work more effectively as part of a team. 2 hours lunch is a good idea though.

[@adamm1998]

Im a mechanic of 20yrs. I spent my 20s changing jobs every year or so and working on different equipment everytime. Now im 38 and i have the skills to work on everything i come across, but i lack experience with certain issues that i would have encountered if i specialized. That being said, i can diagnose any system. I weld, fabricate, design, build, and maintain all types of systems. Sometimes even, redesigning system built by engineers. I have no regrets working in so many different jobs. When coviid hit i went independent and people started asking to work on their homes, which i was able to do just from all the skills i gained in all aspects off machinery repair. Now, in the company I work for, im the only mechanic who can safely repair all our customers needs. Im routinely dispatched to solve issues, but when i encounter a issue ive never seen, i have no problem calling the guy who has done nothing but work on those units and ask advise.

[@user-mb2uj6wu3o]

I'm a carpenter, I've noticed over the years that there seems to be an effort to reduce peoples' skillsets from developers, I think it's so that they can pay semi skilled people less whilst keeping them dependent on their employer as they can't adapt to something else... these things always come down to money.

[@thedrvn]

4:26 didn't know you could speak French Roger! Fairplay mate!

[@SkillBuilder]

Fluent in ten accents of English.

[@Raginggamer1802]

I've done automotive, manufacturing, framing, roofing, towing, and IT; it's kept me motivated and happy working.

[@sandy_knight]

I used to live in France for about 15 years, I'm not a builder but I did quite a bit of labouring for various trades (sparks, plasterers, plumbers), and I can confirm what you say. Id also add that most of the people I worked for tended to look down on kitchen fitters as the least skilled 'trade' 😜 One thing that's related to all this is the Dunning Kruger effect, that's the tendency for people to think they know more than they do and conversely, the more experienced they are the more they underplay their skill set and are more likely to consult an expert if they're not sure. I'd rather employ someone who knows what they don't know than someone who thinks they know it all. Without being an expert yourself its hard to tell though...

[@diddywright6165]

I am what you would call multi trade, alot of my customers like the fact that I am a “one stop shop” especially when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms. I learned a long time ago that when you rely on other trades you often get let down for one reason or another. I wouldn’t say I’m as quick as a specialist, but I take pride in what I do and the time saved is often considerable. The variation of work keeps me interested, keeps me learning and most of all keeps me busy. I also have an unhealthy addiction to tools so it’s a win win!

[@Twisted_Logic]

I'm the office managet for a small HVAC contractor and we do a little of everything and every technician does at least a little of all the jobs we do. Installing/repairing HVAC systems is our bread and butter, but we also do general electrical contracting, heavy industrial equioment repair, water heater and ice machine repair/installtion, spray foam insulation, and sometimes even light IT work. Variety is the spice of life

[@ricos1497]

A good one this week Roger! I'd be what most would call a jack of all trades. I worked in finance, moving to software and am currently thinking of moving again. I'm very hands on, doing a lot of renovation work and am generally a fairly competent DIYer (handyman level, probably). The thing putting me off moving career presently is that the process to become a plumber or electrician seems to be geared towards school leavers, which I'm very much not! Having run my own succesful consultancy business, I don't really fancy being an apprentice. I appreciate that my knowledge is lacking in many areas, especially rules/regulations, but I wouldn't need the hand-holding and supervision that a kid fresh out of school would need and rightly expect. The one thing missing your video is regulation too. I'm putting in a new wood burner for my in-laws, doing the labour of removing the old fireplace, pointing the old stone, cementing for the hearth, moving existing sockets, plastering, skirtings, templating for the register plate and cutting to size and cutting and fitting the granite hearth from an off-cut. The problem I have is that I'm not qualified to actually fit the stove itself. I know exactly how to (there's a skill builder video explaining it!), and I've done every other step in the process, but someone needs to get their £3K for fitting the liner and positioning the wood burner correctly and commissioning in order that the insurance man doesn't refuse to insure. I suspect there is an element of this when your fabled plumber refuses to do the electrical parts, and vice versa. They don't fit the bureaucratic profile required and don't want the potential to be accused or sued at some point in the future for something that probably had nothing to do with their work. The system that we live in needs its silos, that's how it works. Can't have people running around doing everything.

[@rich8037]

Too right about plasterers getting worn out. My mate who was mostly a plasterer (he could and did turn his hand to anything but plastering was his main thing) has a tragically worn out body compared to mine - knees, shoulders, back all give him grief. I wouldn't wish it on anyone. But in general I couldn't agree more about the usefulness of a jack of all trades. Another mate is one of those and there seems to be literally nothing he can't do around a building - do, and do really well too. Brilliant, and I take him as an example to live up to. Also, regarding education versus intelligence: HEAR HEAR!

[@BRP-Moto-Tips]

Great video mate, sometimes is hard to find reassurance as most people usually stay in their lane. Thanks for speaking up!

[@harveysmith100]

"Posh people just don't know stuff more confidently."

[@AntonioDal.]

We are currently residing in an era where generalists with strong internet skills can often outperform 'specialists' in their respective fields.

[@geodesical]

Hearing about plumbers refusing to change reminds me of what my dad told me about his first boss when he started installing flooring. This was the mid-to-late 80s, and his boss would still sew carpet seams by hand like it was the 60s. Heat-melt seam tape has been the norm since the mid 70s, though it made harmful smoke until the 2000s.

[@TR-rz1xt]

There's so much legislation and regulation these days that no-one wants to take the risk of mucking something up and then being sued. It's a pity that colleges don't properly train up people to be certified Jacks and Jills of all trades.

[@maticjelovcan]

A lot of us who know how to do and make stuff are self taught nowadays. Trouble is that in many countries getting certification is very difficult once you're an adult or when out of school. Even with Uni already done, but in the "wrong field" I'd for example have to do high school again just to be able to be an electrician. Ugh. I can already do most of it in electrical field, but there's no feasible way of getting certified, as it's a regulated trade. And sadly anything with building or renovating anything became a regulated restricted trade in my country (Slovenia) and likelihood of being able to do it legally is diminishing more and more. Not sure about elsewhere, but many countries in EU make it really hard for those of us with experience but no degree or certification in trades, to do them legally or even get employed. 😔

[@jed-henrywitkowski6470]

In my state, one used to be able to have two ways of becoming a mining engineer. They could either go to our oldest university or work several years for the mine co as an apprentice to the current engineer. That ended, before my time. I think in the 1960's@@maticjelovcan

[@toolsconsumables7055]

@@maticjelovcan Dear Sir/Madam, You have Napoleon to thank for ensuring that all professions are officially certified, homologated, licensed & possibly blessed by the Pope. He was hellbent on making every trade properly qualified via apprenticeships, etc. Most of Europe follows the Code Napoleon ( Napoleonic code). No wonder this tyrant couldn't stand the British as they had a far more pragmatic approach & less stiff approach to open a business. The world would never have benefited & enjoyed Robert Louis Stevenson first train had he been born in France. The irony is that the first railways in France were constructed by British engineers hence why all trains in France run on the left just as the UK. Kind regards.

[@jgdooley2003]

I am in the opposite situation regarding employment in my former field. I did technical work as a qualified electronics technician in industry for 30 years. Because I do not have a trade certificate, for which you need to do a 4 year apprenticeship, I am legally barred from doing domestic or commercial electrical work and must have engineering sign off for industrial installation only. On the academic side of careers I do not have the necessary level 8 honours degree in Electrical Engineering to sign off on work so I had to give up a well paying job when made redundant in my last job. I had to go into a completely different sector but would have loved to pursue domestic or institutional electrical work if time and education systems allowed. I was at an awkward age regarding either taking on an apprenticeship which is required legally for any work in electrical or a degree level electrical Engineering course which would allow me to inspect and sign off on work done. Either course of action would have taken at least 4 years with only 10 working years left. Modern technical and manual trades work, especially in industry, requires and emphasises multi skills people adept at doing many roles in order to avoid the waiting that having different trades not working with each other. I have seen the botches that occur, even in new house builds, when trades do not work together or follow plans closely. On the bright side I have hired specialists who had both the degree level education to supervise themselves adequately and also had the hand skills and had the team to do the work effectively.

[@sianwilliams9550]

I actually am starting an evening college course today called "women in construction" to introduce women to the trades to give us a taster of the trades to see which one we would like to specialise in. By tye end of the course I won't be qualified in anything, but will be able to do jobs around my own home. (I already do. My dad is a sparky and taught me growing up, along with all forms of DIY, just not plumbing, or plastering, but I have taught myself what I have needed too so far!) I only found the course as I was looking to do an electricians course, but was wondering I'd I would prefer carpentry, coz it excites me more. It sucks that they don't do multi trade courses though other than the taster. I would be so up for expanding my knowledge and becoming qualified in all the trades! I love nothing more than the satisfaction of being able to start and finish jobs myself. Whether that's replacing my broken shower, fixing the leak in the kitchen, or fixing the scary and dangerous electrical work that was done on my house prior to buying it. Currently building my kids chinchillas a castle as simple boxes with 1 opening cost an extortionate amount! Can't wait to be able to do things outside my own home and do a trade I enjoy!

[@creatrixZBD]

Thanks for the upload. But I really want to give some appreciation to the comment section. I don’t feel so alone in having had a gazillion careers and a seemingly all-over-the-place set of skills. Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences. Polymaths, we’re actually everywhere! 🙏🏽

[@spicyphilly]

Ditto!

[@wtbman]

I did a full tile shower, floor included, about 10 years ago. First one of my life. No leaks. A little research led me to the kerdi schluter system. Couldn't have been simpler. I just replaced the AC system on my car (condenser, compressor, recharge). Took a day and a cheap set of gauges, a vacuum pump, and a mail scale to do it correctly. Saved $$$$ but "real mechanics" would have you believe you can't DIY these kinds of things. Nothing can stop you if you gain the knowledge (internet) and have ambition.

[@lukeskywalkerthe2nd773]

Frankly I think our modern , digital age is making the notion that it's best to only be good at one thing more and more outdated. For all the problems the Internet has exasperated in our society it is undeniable that it's also made being able to learn almost countless new skills much more easier than ever before. I'm a creative person with a deep love of literature, and I definitely want to write a few books, short stories and poetry before I die, but I find myself also deeply fascinated with filmmaking, video game design, painting/drawing, acting, and music. And I can learn so much about all these things now with just a few quick Google searches compared to having to go through an education to learn them. I'm more and more sure that the future is in Renaissance men and women more and more! :)

[@benearthside]

First off, I am a musician; I am absolutely useless with anything mechanical-nevertheless this video was quite inspiring to me. I am very much a specialist in a couple areas I take great pride in, but I’ve always felt paralyzing fear in relation to becoming more of a “jack of all” in other things that would probably make me more self sufficient. I want to begin changing that 🙂

[@jke5486]

Totally go for it! I started out with music aswell, later went over to theology too and now am an soon-to-be adept in both Latin and Greek. All with certificates of course. And I also know how to change a tire or plaster a wall, before any mockery occurs.

[@BrKnOblivion]

If you're a musician, look for the music in mechanics. I was terrible at music, but loved listening to certain types. Found I couldn't move to a beat on the dance floor, but damn could I make a car dance ;) You'll find there's music in everything with a little bit of headbanging and swearing 😁

[@benearthside]

@@BrKnOblivion hahah I can see it 😄

[@thomascraig6814]

I’m a musician. I’ve played piano for 20+ years. I’m not the best pianist on the planet but that’s because I’ve also spent time learning banjo, guitar, and accordion. I’d rather play multiple instruments professionally well than be a virtuoso on one.

[@benearthside]

I feel that @@thomascraig6814. I've long had an inner-battle between being a drummer and a singer. You do start to see, though, how the ways you improve on one instrument a very applicable to others and things that aren't music at all!

[@jcgarcia1931]

I've always prided myself in being a JOAT. In my younger years, I struggled a bit because of all the lateral career moves I made. 30 years later, I'm now reaping the benefits of being well rounded in various arts and trades. From sales, marketing, and communications, to carpentry, electrical, and HVAC. Now I'm running my own HVAC business and putting all my skills to good use. It really helps me to stand out from the competition and do good work from multiple angles, levels, and perspectives.

[@cybetica]

One of the things you mentioned toward the end of the video actually has a name to it. The Peter Principle: "Every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence". Basically, you may be good at one thing so they promote you, and keep doing so, until you're given a job you're no good at. As a result you stop being promoted, and instead - and to the disappointment of everyone else - you end up stuck as the idiot in a role you're no good at for ever more.

[@SkillBuilder]

Interesting, i hadn't heard of that.

[@peep39]

Great video. Very entertaining. As a person who is forced to do everything myself, I can relate. Even if I could afford to pay people, I probably wouldn't.

[@redneckhippiefreak]

Exactly. I never had the cash to pay someone to fix what I broke. This made me twice as careful and untold factors more self reliant. There is no way I could afford the life I have lead without being able to keep the needed machinery/life up and running on my own. In a way, being poor helped save me Hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. I did the average math of $5000-$12,000 per year for 20 years, My absence of money, paid for my house 2x over. 8/ Odd but true.

[@annshenton119]

Well said You just described my life 42 years as a Polymath and always run down by other people with one trade Just subscribed thanks Scott