Many thanks for the video. The part about the guy who is both a psychologist and violin maker made me chuckle as it reminded me of a meeting with my college careers advisor who couldn't believe the dilemma I was having over whether to try out for drama school or apply for an accounting degree. For him, it was impossible to be interested in such diverse topics. I had to be either one or the other. He'd obviously never heard of the term "multipotentialite".
I liked what the speaker said about idea synthesis and innovation happening at the intersections. I sort of feel that writing represents my idea synthesis, as I draw on the various elements and experiences that have made up my life in my writing.
It's also totally true what she said that no experience is a waste. I have personally found this. After completing an accounting degree I realised that life as an accountant wasn't for me, but I later used some of the skills I learned about taxes etc when I ran my own business as a language teacher. It all helps!
Did you give up working towards professorship altogether or just widen your focus? Are you still in academia?
Hey! I just wrote a post about this, if you're interested. :) https://steemit.com/multipotentialite/@malloryblythe/why-you-don-t-need-a-life-calling-to-be-successful-or-the-burden-of-the-multipotentialite