A couple of weeks ago, I was left utterly speechless during a call. “Sounds like you’re a jack of all trades, and master of none, Maria.” I was stunned. Jack of all trades and master of none? Are you serious? I’ve been in marketing for 18 years, don’t insult my experience and intelligence. This was a second stage call with an events company, and it was my first call with the Managing Director and Marketing Director. They were looking for someone to support their marketing for a large, high-profile event. The role was right up my street - fast-paced, lots of responsibility, all the spinning plates etc. I was eager to make a good impression, so I prepared a 30-minute presentation outlining my approach. After my presentation, I expected lots of questions. Instead, the first response from the MD was the ‘jack of all trades’ comment. At first, I was lost for words, so I asked him to explain what he meant, as he knew nothing about me beyond what he’d seen on my CV. He replied that I didn’t have a niche - where was my niche? I responded confidently that I didn’t have a niche, and that I was PROUD of it. I didn’t want to limit myself to one box. Over the last 18 years, I’ve gained experience across almost every sector, B2B, B2C and every marketing channel imaginable. Why would I want a niche? My broad experience makes me adaptable to practically any marketing role out there. To say the comment ruffled my feathers is an understatement. Long story short, the call went on for another hour, during which he told me I was “too strategic” and that he “couldn’t imagine me wanting to get my hands dirty.” I stood my ground, explaining that I loved nothing more than strategising and executing my own recommendations. He then made me list all the marketing software and tools I’d used and how I used them. Of course, I had no problem doing this, because it’s true, I have used them all myself. Eventually, he ran out of time and suggested another call the next morning to run through my CV. I politely declined. No, thank you. I refuse to be treated like that, to be belittled and have my experience questioned by someone who knows nothing about me. Why was I treated this way? Is it because I'm a woman? Because I'm confident? Because I'm younger than him? What was he trying to prove? Ten years ago, an experience like that might have made me cry but now I know my worth. I’m proud of my experience, my skills, and the value I bring to a team. The moral of the story: Never let anyone undermine you. Know your worth, and OWN IT! 👊🏼
Well said. And you did better than me. I would not have given them another hour after that comment. 🤣
Jack of all trades --> Master of picking new things up quickly and doing whatever it is that needs to be done You've mastered the art of mastering things, and in my book that's one of the best skills to have.
I love this story Maria Keene. I have a similar background and like to consider myself a multitasking, multifaceted plate spinner! Your experience shows curiosity, agility, adaptability and willingness to learn and grow. Great strength saying thanks but no thanks. Go somewhere your diverse skill set is not only appreciated, but invaluable 💪💪💪
Made the right move not accepting a poor personality as a client! Jack of all trades and master of none…doesn’t the rest of the saying go something like “I’d rather have a Jack of all trades to save me during a bad situation than a master of one that can only do one thing”… or something like that? Annoying how people over simplify themselves and others. You can be a master in a lot of things 🙄 almost like we’re multifunctional
This post 👏 I've recently gone freelance and I have to remind myself of this daily. At the beginning, I would hop on a call with anyone, reduce my rates for anyone - now, I'm learning to say no. It's the best word I never knew in my vocab 😂
Amazing story and I identify with it greatly. I’ve got high expertise and knowledge in a few areas but no one believes it because pigeon holes are easier to digest. Some people love doing it all!!
Why would someone even think they have the right to say that…😭 good for you for knowing your own worth!
Surely knowing about all areas of marketing is a good thing so you can relate to other people in your team?!
Glad you stood your ground and happy that you dodged that bullet.
Freelance Marketing Agency Support | Account Director | Registered Project Manager | Marketing Director | Event Specialist
1moWOW, I’m absolutely blown away by all your support and comments, thank you so much! It genuinely means the world to me. I did not expect this post to go viral, at all!! I’ve read and appreciate every single comment, and while I’d love to respond to each of you personally, it would literally take me all day! 🙈 I’m so glad my post struck a chord with so many of you, and it’s fantastic to see there are so many other ‘Jacks’ out there owning their broad skill set and adaptability. Don’t let anyone put you in a box or make you feel less than. Being a ‘jack of all trades’ isn’t a flaw; it’s something to be proud of!! 💪🏼🙌🏼👊🏼 Thank you so much again! 🫶🏼