On being a jack-of-all-trades with multiple sclerosis
By handling various tasks, I discover the things I can't handle on my own
I never could afford to be a one-trick pony. That’s mostly because I wasn’t good enough at any single thing. Also, it benefited me, and those around me, if I was skilled at a variety of things.
I’m not saying there’s no place for people who are masters of one specific thing. I actually knew people like that. I called them skunks. They might know only one trick, but it works for them because it’s a really good trick.
I couldn’t be a skunk before I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), and I certainly can’t be one now, because MS won’t let me. As unpleasant as it is at times, MS isn’t a skunk kind of disease because it has entirely too many tricks. So living with it requires me to know more than one trick, too. I’ve always been a jack-of-all-trades, but now I’ve become a very specific kind of one. I don’t like being forced to be one by MS, but it turns out that it’s the best way to deal with all the various tricks.
Taking on new roles
As with many sayings, most people know only the first part of “Jack-of-all-trades, master of none.” The second part says, “But oftentimes better than a master of one.” That omission changes the phrase’s meaning. If you know only the first half of it, you might think that being a jack-of-all-trades is a bad thing. But according to the site Tech Duffer, it’s a strength, not a weakness, and often more valuable than specialization.
Being skilled in multiple areas “promotes versatility, adaptability, and the ability to navigate various situations,” the site says. For those of us with MS, those traits are indispensable when dealing with our symptoms.
The article makes several good points, but I’d like to emphasize a few that apply to life with MS. The first is that developing a diverse skill set enhances my ability to take on new roles. I can’t think of any other time in my life when I’ve had to take on so many new roles. In addition to being a husband and father, I am a patient, advocate, and researcher, and someone dependent on others, to name a few. When MS adds other things to that list, having diverse skills means I’ll be better prepared.
The second point I took from the article is that having a variety of skills can enhance one’s ability to handle different tasks without relying on others. As I become increasingly disabled by my primary progressive MS, maintaining independence becomes increasingly important to me. Continually adapting and developing new skills helps me preserve every bit of abilities that I can. That makes me more accepting and grateful as a dependent person, because by handling various tasks, I discover the things I can’t handle on my own.
The last point I want to make is that having multiple skills makes me want to learn new ones. Being my own advocate means constantly trying to learn more about MS. Fortunately, with all the information that’s available in today’s digital world, this isn’t a daunting task.
I’m not alone in having to be a jack-of-all-trades, as my wife has had to adapt to my MS for over a decade. I call her a “jill-of-all-trades.” Tomorrow is our 16th wedding anniversary, and I’m so grateful she was willing to adapt to something that neither of us saw coming.
Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.
About the Author
LJ Guyette
I've experienced many of the same life lessons as Ben Hofmeister has. For all of my life prior to MS and for 15 years after my dx, I was very much a jack-of-all trades. I was rebuilding car engines by the time I was 14. When I finished college, my day jobs were as a manager in several production-related industries, soft drinks, tobacco products, musical instruments, building modular housing and several different products. My 'other interests' included carpentry, (building houses, industrial buildings & garages), electrical wiring, welding, repair & rebuilding vehicles, (from farm tractors to race cars), doing the roofing/reroofing, electronics repairs, plumbing and a few more.
There wasn't a repair that I would pass on. I had a 2 story garage for work space, office and tool storage and used the whole area.
After being dx with MS in 1997 at age 40, I was able to maintain almost all of my outside interests until 2013-2014. By 2014, I started to let a few things go. My ladder-climbing days were coming to an end so the roofing tools were sold. Next to go were the majority of tools for house construction, then the majority of the welding/metal working tools and so on. I kept some of of the woodworking tools and a collection of other tools. I have, and will continue giving, our 4 sons and DILs tools for as long as they want them.
My mobility isn't great so I use a mobility scooter now. I have a smaller shop, (12x20), and still take on some smaller projects.
I miss the ability to take on any and all projects that challenged my abilities. These days, I find that I have much better days if I focus on what I can still do rather than what MS restricts me from doing.
I'll never stop fighting MS, but with age comes wisdom. I grudgingly admit that MS has changed my life style but it'll never take away my hopes and inspiration!
Benjamin Hofmeister
I had just finished building an engine for one of my old Land Cruisers when MS took away my ability to hold a wrench, much less turn one. It's done a little bit to sell that one when I wasn't done fixing it up. I can't bring myself to get rid of my old 1964 fj40. I'm holding out hopes that one of my kids will take on that project one day. I hang on to all my outdoor gear for the same reason, hoping that one or all of them will use it.
Lisa Bowser
Like you, I have a very understanding and compassionate spouse. I can't imagine what I would do without my husband. He is my constant reassurance and hope. Thank you for your articles. It's nice to know there are others out there and you are not alone.
Stay blessed and be a blessing!
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thanks Lisa! I think we and everybody with a compassionate understanding spouse is extremely blessed. I know some people who don't have that and my heart goes out to them.
Diana
Happy anniversary!! I’m up to 48 years married and was diagnosed 43 years ago so my husband adapted very well along with me xx
Benjamin Hofmeister
Thank you Diana! Next to your 48, our 16 years seems like a drop in the bucket. Congratulations to you and your husband!