The Generalist Thinker

I haven't found a career yet. It's not that I don't like anything. Friends and relative want to know what I would like to do as a career. Why do I have to just pick one? I have so many interests. Do you consider yourself a jack-of-all-trades or a Renaissance Man? Generalist are still needed. You don't have to limit yourself.

You can study what you like AND study a subject that is profitable. I would like to be an educator, but I need much more money to explore my interests.

What is a generalist? Basically, generalist have more width than depth when dealing with subjects.

1. Depth
The number of years in college you have often depth of your specialty. At the top is the Doctorate, but colleges don't limit you on how many you can obtain. You can gain more depth by using other sources. By digging deeper and deeper into your career you become more valuable to people. You have rare knowledge of resources.

One of the drawbacks is tunnel vision. You can't see what may pass you by. Even if you are sure of the success of your field, looking around at your neighbors will give you insight about coming trends.

2. Width
By spreading out your interests you can gain wisdom from other fields. Generalists can create new fields with integration. Integration does require generalists to dig into other subjects. You can't just skim off the top.

3. Generalist and Specialists, together
Generalists need specialists and specialists need generalists. A generalist thinker can't do everything, but he can hire specialists for the job.


Learn what you want to learn even if the subject isn't profitable.