Sociologist, Richard Sennett, discussed his recent book, The Craftsman on the "Diane Rehm Show." He explained how Americans under-value craftsmanship, and instead, have substituted skill-acquirement over skill-development. That is, much of our work requires us to complete a task, not master a skill-set over-time so that we can mentor others in the future. A true testament to our rapidly-moving culture.
Funny to consider since my official job title is none other than an "Apprentice Organizer." My organization believes that organizers, like carpenters or journalists, gains knowledge and skills through a certain level of experience. If I continued, eventually I'd become an Experienced Organizer or a Master Organizer. Treating our work as a trade rather than a career is a sustaining outlook; it avoids the corporate professionalization critique, from which many non-profits suffer. (Read: The Revolution Will Not Be Funded.)
I realized, however, as I intend to attend law school in the fall that I am abandoning one trade for another. Despite my "successful" trajectory, I haven't mastered a craft, though, I've learned many. For eight years, I was an Olympic-level soccer player; these past five years, I have become a seasoned political advocate; for three years during college, I was preparing to become a scholar (sociologist, no less); and over the last couple of years, I flirted with journalism. Twenty-two years and I possess a lot of skills, some transferrable (being able to "write," for example), yet I have not settled on a professional craft. Considering that I may have eighty more years ahead of me there's probably worse news. Still, it's got me scratching my head.
The discussion struck a cord with me since like many people I closely align my identity with my work (I use this term loosely). Is my work less significant if I have not continued the same work over a long period of time? Is it even desirable to have a single craft or is it more fulfilling/purposeful/productive to have several, complimentary crafts? Does craftmanship allow a person to realize his or her physical, intellectual, and spiritual selves under one banner?
Thoughts to mull over as I plan for law school, and continue organizing for six months. At a time when I am transitioning into an independent adulthood, and exploring parts of myself, I'm intrigued by this notion that a single activity or type of work can so definitive.
See ya,
R.
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I had begun to write a response to your blog, and realized that it really would classify as a blog itself. So rather than steal your thunder, I posted it on my myspace blog page. Check it out if you're interested!
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