Two is better than one

More often than not we see ourselves wanting to dabble in numerous career fields but hesitate from making that leap of faith. 

It is a fear of over-committing to an act we do not know if we can fully perform.

Perhaps a few tips from a professional multiple career juggler could help give us the confidence boost we need to grow as an individual. 

In his newest article for Harvard Business Review, Kabir Sehgal, a New York Times best-selling author, a strategist at a Fortune 500 company, US Navy reserve office, and lastly a Grammy winning record producer, shared his views on pursuing multiple careers simultaneously.

The writer used examples of how frequently one comes across a lawyer who wants to work in the renewable energy industry, an app developer who dreams of writing novels, or even an editor who aspires to become a landscape designer. 

Although the stakes are high, in his message, Sehgal urged these ambitious dreamers to chase both careers.

"Two careers are better than one. And by committing to two careers, you will produce benefits for both," said the NYT best-selling author.

The author shared stories from his personal experiences of being asked about how he juggles multiple challenges and time consuming jobs concurrently, to which he simply replied, "Working many jobs makes me happier and leaves me more fulfilled. It also helps me perform better at each job."

It is further revealed in the article how he funds his record producing career with the paycheck he receives from his corporate job. 

It is his passion for jazz and classical music that keeps him motivated rather than the longing for a bigger paycheck. 

Seghal shared how he acquired not only the monetary support from his day job but also skills that have helped him produce dozens of albums and win multiple Grammys.

He also added how he merges the two jobs together and invites his corporate clients to recording sessions. 

"My clients have a phenomenal experience which only helps me drive revenue at work, so my corporate and recording careers are mutually beneficial," stated Kabir Sehgal.

Branching out and making new connections is also one of the reasons why Kabir Sehgal strongly advocated for having multiple careers. 

Being acquainted comes in handy when two cultures collide in the corporate world or in the case when a new perspective is needed. 

He recalled a story about a time when he needed unbiased insight on Chinese citizens, and how his journalist friend who worked at a periodical that monitors chatter in China came to his aid. 

"By being in different circles, you can selectively introduce people who would typically never meet and unlock value for everyone," adviced Seghal.

The last story Sehgal shared in his message was timed when The United States was still recovering from the impact of Hurricane Katrina. 

He detailed how his prior experience of working at a bank helped him create an organisation for the struggling musicians of New Orleans. 

With the help of the organisation's website, New Yorkers were able to book these artists and add tips which went to a charity in New Orleans. This was a more sustainable solution which later merged with an even larger charitable organisation.

Kabir Sehgal concluded his message to his readers by leaving them with an advice in which he stated, "When you follow your curiosities, you will bring passion to your new careers, which will leave you more fulfilled. And by doing more than one job, you may end up doing all of them better."