Let the record show that I’m not a huge fan of the term DIY.
Yes, I’ve used the term before, so I understand the initial apparent contradiction. Clearly, I need to explain myself.
I agree wholeheartedly with most of the sentiment behind the term DIY (which stands for Do-It-Yourself). Taking charge of your own career, being your own boss, etc. It stands for empowerment, which is most easily developed through a mixture of education, trial by fire, and nose to the grindstone, honest, hard work. True entrepreneurial spirit.
That’s the part I agree with.
The trouble is with the words themselves. I would challenge anyone to show me one example of someone who has successfully built a career in ANY industry by doing everything 100% by themselves. Even the very thought is overwhelming.
Eventually, like it or not, you’re going to have to have help, and that usually means hiring someone to take care of some part of your career or business.
Think of it this way: if you were to open a small clothing shop, you’d probably do everything yourself from day 1. Everything from buying merchandise, advertising, sales, working the cash, sweeping up the shop, keeping the books, etc.
Eventually, though, as your business grew, you’d probably hire someone to work the cash 1 day a week. Then maybe hire someone to help out with the books. Then a designer to help get more visibility for the ads you’re paying for. Sure, you’d still do MOST things yourself, and you’d still be the boss, but you’d fill in the gaps with others in order to free up your time to do the higher level stuff.
You’ll also realize along the way that you’re better at some things and not as good as others. Maybe you’re great at developing new products, but terrible at marketing them. Or, you’re good at doing the books, but when it comes to doing merchandise displays, you don’t even know where to begin. So you’d hire experts (either permanently or on contract) to help your business grow.
The point is, nobody does it themselves. The term DIY can be overwhelming – “I have to do everything myself??” – and isn’t really accurate.
As for a better term… well, I can’t say I have that answer. I agree with the mentality, no question. You HAVE to be the driver of your own career. You HAVE to educate yourself on how it all works. You HAVE to, at some point, play the part of every industry role imaginable.
Just don’t get caught up in accomplishing everything all by yourself. You’ll drive yourself crazy, and what’s worse, you’ll miss out on the opportunities and experiences that working alongside a team can bring.
