As someone with many different hobbies and interests, I have come to realize that teaching is one of the best jobs that a creative could land. Let me explain.
This last year, I volunteered in the Czech Republic as an arts and crafts youth leader in a governmental organization named DDM (standing for House for Children and Youth in Czech); it was as close as I have gotten to a teaching environment in my adult life, and although it is not the easiest job, it is one that offers the right amount of stimulation to people who often find themselves jumping between hobbies and interests.
So based on personal experience, let me walk you through why I think that a teaching job is the best fit for people with multiple interests.
Why a teaching job is the best fit for people with multiple interests?
People with multiple hobbies and interests crave four main things: variety, flexibility, creative exploration, and room for continuous learning.
When I first started working in my organization, the wide range of skills requested really intrigued me. They needed someone who could do a bit of everything. A little drawing, a little sewing, a good sense of humor, a strong personality, and great organizational skills. And even though I fit the requirements, I was silently wondering if I would ever actually need them all. Fun fact: I did.
DIY Montessori five senses activity kit for children
Working with Diverse Subject Matters
When I first arrived, it was summertime, so there were no after-school activities. However, there were summer camps that I took part in and that gave me a great overview of what it is going to be like during my time there. Summer camps meant different themes to work on. From Harry Potter to animals to Croatian-themed activities, it was way more diverse than I have ever imagined these camp themes to be.
So as someone who was organizing arts and crafts activities for kids, which helped me specialize in what I do best while exploring different themes and frameworks. It also offered me the context to update and adapt my workshop and activity content based on new discoveries, trends, and kids’ needs.
Having creative freedom
When the school year started and even before, my coordinator asked me if I would like to have weekly classes of my own (it is not required of me as a volunteer, but she knew I like exploring and experimenting, so she offered me the opportunity). Designing my own lessons, activities, and classroom projects for Czech kids when I didn’t speak their language was extremely challenging at first, but the challenge wasn’t stronger than my desire to try.
With the language barrier, I had to use music, art, storytelling, experiments, and tech tools. I also found myself exploring every interest I ever had and every hobby I ever tried to attempt to turn my other passions (writing, photography, coding, theater, etc.) into teaching aids or extracurricular clubs. My goal was to keep the kids entertained, informed, and crafty.
Benefiting from continuous learning
When you teach kids, it’s an exchange more than it is a teaching. In fact, thanks to my students, I was able to learn the basics of the Czech language. Also, my students’ questions challenged me to explore new ideas and activities and elevate my pre-designed projects.
Their critiques are very humbling and make you question and reevaluate your work, which is always a great thing for people who have multiple interests, as we rarely find the motivation to work on specific skills or develop our interests further.
Interdisciplinary Thinking
Teaching jobs often involve connecting dots across subjects, which makes them perfect for multi-passionate individuals. For example, I was teaching English by combining art, problem-solving, social games, and crafting. I was also sharing my culture, the history of my country, music, and cuisine while doing workshops focused on arts and crafts.
Let’s not forget the autonomy & side projects
With my work in the organization, I had a rather structured time off (sometimes we had events on the weekends, but it was more of an exception than a rule), which allowed me to keep blogging, sketching, journaling, go on trips, and pursuing other interests I have. Teachers often have more structured time off than other professions. Summers, holidays, and after-school hours give space to pursue side projects (writing a book, running a blog, volunteering, freelancing, etc.). Many teachers also pursue consulting, content creation, or curriculum design on the side.
Conclusion
Teaching may not be the easiest job, but as someone who craves change and the right amount of stimulation, I think that individuals like me (and you, maybe) definitely need to give it a try before deciding on a career because it could be exactly what they are looking for.
