Name
Jeong Sang-hun
Occupation
Jack of All Trades
The term “Jack of all trades” is used to illustrate a person who knows how to do many things. When talking about jobs, it refers to a person who has many jobs. It is hard to think of someone having lots of jobs since it is even hard to be good at one. The “Jack” in our interview, however, is an exception. The Konkuk Bulletin interviewed an alumnus who has seven jobs.
What kind of jobs do you currently have?
I work as a researcher at the Institute of Local Studies at Konkuk University, teach law at unversities, and give lectures about marketing. I am also the president of four companies. A book cafe franchise, a farm that provides farming experiences, a rental cottage for both pets and owners, and an education startup.
People usually only have one job. Is there any special reason for pursuing so many jobs?
We are currently living in a world with the life expectancy reaching 100 years, and in a society where work-life balance is emphasized more than ever before. Thus, I wanted a job that I can pursue with joy for a long time, and a job that can expand my potential so I can contribute to the world. Since I studied law from bachelor to PhD, I was eager to find a job
in a different area. Therefore even after I got a job at a company, I studied and achieved certificates for being a social worker, a nursing teacher, a licensed real estate agent, and a barista. I tried to have many experiences and find out what I like through them.
Were there any difficulties for having so many jobs?
The education startup, book cafe franchise, farm, and rental cottages that I serve as a president were all started by myself and all had the company structure of having one president. I had no one with a horizontal relationship that I can share my concerns and visions about the company with. It was also difficult to continuously motivate myself in such a situation.
What was the “driving force” that helped you overcome the moments you wanted to quit?
I always dreamed of an education company where its members develop themselves through experiences in nature and reading discussions. Everything I did, from the education startup to studying law as a major, was to achieve this dream. I would say that my driving force was my dream.
What is the goal you are currently pursuing?
There is a famous saying of Andre Malraux that I liked since high school. “He who has dreamed for long resembles his dream.” The seven jobs that I currently have might look as if they are separate businesses, but it all aims at one goal. “A new form of adult education where good people and healthy F&B is located.” This is the goal I am currently pursuing.
What do you think the most important criteria is when it comes to choosing a career?
I think objectively understanding your major, abilities, and characteristics is very important. For me it was law, planning ability, and affection for community respectively. I made compromises between these three and thus started what I am doing now. It would be best if the three all match, but if it does not, I think one should choose a career based
on their ability and pursue what they want through personal development.
Are there any advices for students who are having a hard time choosing their career?
As I mentioned earlier, identifying yourself is a priority. I had to contemplate on every step to get to where I am now, and I am still wondering which step I should take next. I used a long time on finding what I liked and what I am capable of. I did so through various experiences and indices. I took personality tests like MBTI and career tests to fully understand my characteristics. I also contacted and talked to experts in the area I was planning to pursue to objectively understand my abilities. These data surely helped me understand myself and choose a career based on it. After you fully understand yourself, the next step is to continuously search the area of your interest for a job that suits you. Through these steps, you will be able to come close to your dream in no time.