For a long time I stood in the specialize early and don’t deviate camp but now I’m reading ‘Range’ by David Epstein and I’m not entirely sure anymore.
Mr. Epstein provides compelling examples of generalists who have succeeded. That a large sampling period and trying your hand at many different things can be key to success.
He makes some great points but I’m not ready to discard the convincing benefits of specialization either.
Reading both arguments could provoke the question – Should I be focused on becoming a specialist or a generalist?
I think considering both schools of thought and their examples of achievement proves that there are many routes to success.
That one could find evidence to support either argument and you can choose to believe the proof that suits your story.
To put a pin in the specialist v generalist debate. I think it was more the commitment of the individual to make a success out of their path, be it their first or their new path, that made them successful.
What do you think – Generalist or specialist?
Thomas Duggan 