Why It’s Okay to Not Want to Be an Expert

When did it become unacceptable to be just ‘enough’?

As someone who’s exchanged my skills and services for money (okay, so like most adults, then), it’s always been implied that I should strive to be an ‘expert’ in my area. I think particularly as I’m a freelancer.

Oh, you work on live chat? Work your way up to become a customer success manager.

A content writer? Choose your specific niche and become a ‘thought leader’ (ugh).

Learn literally any skill? Write a course and start teaching classes.

Do you know what I mean?

It’s always assumed that in order to do something, you have to want to become the best of the best, earn the big bucks, and be that beacon for all other people who want to do what you do.

When did it become not enough to just want enough?

I don’t like being told what to do.

I love to learn, grow, and discuss my fave topics with others. But the minute someone tells me what I’m doing isn’t quite ‘enough’ and that I should focus my attention on becoming the ‘best’ or ‘above other people in my industry’ — whatever you want to call it — it pisses me off.

It’s okay if you want the same job for years because your friends are there and you like getting to know customers.

It’s alright if you don’t want to spend your free time getting a degree and instead want to complete jigsaw puzzles.

It’s often implied that if you don’t want to focus on being the best at work, then you aren’t trying hard enough.

That is such bullshit.

I actually rather like just ‘being’. I don’t want to be the best — I was told I was never enough by one of my parents and it’s taken me a long time to stop people-pleasing and overachieving.

Maybe that’s why this rubs me up the wrong way so much.

It’s actually fine not to be an expert. Normal, even.

I would just like to point out the obvious — I know there are fields where we need experts. Medicine, science, law, sustainability. I know all this.

But in all the other areas where it’s not dangerous or unethical to not have an ‘expert’ — does it really matter if you are one?

Hugs,

Fran 🌸