The multi-hyphenate

Singer/songwriter/fashion designer/actor are just some of the titles that Pharell and Jennifer Lopez both have under their belts.

Okay, we get it. This generation — our generation — or a least a generation (sorry, TV hangover; eff you, Girls) — is a “slasher” generation. No, not “slasher” as in those who like to cut themselves or others. But “slasher” meaning we are (insert occupation) slash (insert other occupation here). Our generation has become so caught up in the A.D.D.-ness of our own multifarious lives (and self-absorbed selves) that the “four walls” of a corporate job just don’t sit well with our artistry and/or finite sensibilities anymore. Life is short and #YOLO (as in “You Only Live Once”).

To channel Sartre, we have become the summation of our actions, and no longer our projected capabilities. So quit yappin’ and channel that gentle juice of potential into the structure (and professional promiscuity) of your own lives. Yes, I say that strongly about our generation — that we are professionally promiscuous, quick to jump from one thing to another. But of course, why would you settle for anything less?

In as much as we are changelings more than multi-hyphenates, we seem to have become practitioners of the so-called “I” mentality. Anything and everything is “me, me, me.” More so, we want control, at least over our own lives, if not the monetary cash flow, or lack thereof. Hey, at least it’s not on anyone else’s account but our own.

Marisa Tomei in Only You calls it destino — destiny — but we seem to want control over that as well. To throw caution to the wind and the cosmos is so 2000 and late. The “slasher” generation” is more proactive. After all, even Marisa Tomei’s character, Faith Corvatch, had to take that leap of faith, follow Damon Bradley all the way to Europe, perchance for her shot at true love. Speaking of Europe…

Chasing Toff

I should’ve known seven years ago (here comes the “I”), when I started writing this column that I’d end up embodying the very essence of what I had inadvertently (and not so thoughtfully) called it. “Chasing Toff” — it started out as a pun on the film “Chasing Liberty” really — you know, where presidential daughter Liberty, played by Mandy Moore, gets chased all across Europe. Talk about being self-absorbed. That applies to me too.

Over the years, I’ve taken a liking to the idea of being “chased,” though these days, I am more of the “chaser” than the “chasee” — at least in the prospect of chasing after myself (and always running out of time). I’m at least consistent with practicing what I preach. Embodying self-assessed “potential” rather than wasting away talking about it. There’s an upside and downside to being a “hyphenator” after all.

Let Me Break It Down For You Again

For the sake of illustration, here are my current pursuits:

1. I am a writer, I have been professionally since 2005 but of course, like the germ of every passion, it started much earlier than that (during grade school, to be exact, when I was my school paper’s — wait for it — sports editor). At Ateneo High, I was working with Hilites magazine and eventually became editor. Now, I’m an editor again — both on this platform (as contributing editor) and for Chalk magazine.

2. I co-own a theater company, 9 Works Theatrical, which produced RENT and Sweet Charity, among others. On occasion, I am also an actor. I recently played Linus in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.

3. I’m a director. I direct yearly for the Ateneo Blue Repertory (Shameless plug: Catch 13 the Musical this coming July).

4. I’m a theater blogger under Theaterati (http://theaterati.tumblr.com).

The Hyphenating #Yolo Graph (aka Catch-22)

Obviously, I am well equipped to give my two cents on being an uber-hyphenate. In doing so (much), I’ve come to realize that being one has its upsides and downsides. Let’s weigh ‘em out.

The Resolution

Well, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. Join the workforce! I’m kidding. No, rather, accept that having your cake and eating it too can be good, but as with all things, it has its downside, like spreading yourself too thin. You will die (not literally). But hey, if you’re not “dying” in your craft, you’re probably not living at all.

A word of advice: take some time out for yourself. The chase can get really toxic and tiring but a little R&R can help recalibrate your mindset and make you feel like a million bucks again — like you’re on top of the world. Also, give yourself a pat on the back every so often. Give yourself some credit for the things you do well. Be confident in that fact.

Being a multi-hyphenate will put you through the limits. It’ll tear you up inside as you see others get to your common destination faster than you will. But don’t fret, you’ll get there, eventually. Slow burn. Slow and steady, wins the race.