Being a generalist is more than just finding the right job.
For a generalist, that’s as elusive as a unicorn.
If being a generalist was an iceberg, the “job” would be the snowflake on the tip of the iceberg.
Here today, gone tomorrow. Of little import or consequence.
To be a generalist means to be curious and always be learning. And that is not limited to your career or your current occupation.
I see a lot of talk about generalist “jobs”. Sure, some jobs allow you to use your diverse skills and knowledge to your advantage. And advancement. But these are not generalist-specific jobs.
They’re just jobs.
I’ve had 2 full time jobs in my life to date. Both have been for 16+ years each…still going with job #2. And I can tell you for a fact that neither have been “generalist jobs”. Yet both have allowed me, a generalist, to learn, develop and grow according to my generalist nature.
Of course my roles have changed over the years. As I’ve developed, so have my needs and the opportunities. As each new opportunity came my way, it further fuelled my generalist needs.
Something different.
Something new.
Always learning.
So, what’s my point?
A generalist doesn’t need to find a generalist job. They need to make their job fit their generalist nature.
You don’t need the “right” job. You need to let your curiosity run and guide where you go to next.
Being a generalist is not about finding the right job.
Have I said that already?
Until next time.
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P.S:
I don’t have all the answers but I love learning. Feel free to ask me anything. What helps you will also help me!
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Andrew, thank you for introducing me to Generalism. Being fully committed to a job for 16 years is big by today's standards. And counting 2 of these is even more significant. It takes loads of pure consistency to do it. Cheers.