Until a few months back, I was convinced about the way my career was unfolding. Since then and until an hour ago, I was convinced that I was wrong. My career is not moving in the direction I intended.
I am on a ‘swing’, reaching the extremes on either side between ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ on what I should have goaled for- specialist or generalist.
I can explain my past experience as a ‘generalist’ on the benefits of having a ‘range’ of skills and experience. But a few
months back, while sharing my opinion about my career decisions and goals, I was asked, “Don’t you think you need to stay longer in a company?” “At least focus on a particular industry.”
These two inputs lingered in my mind, probing me, if I was wrong or maybe finding a reason to ‘justify’ myself. But justifying is not what I want to myself. It should be some solid rational reason as to why a ‘generalist’ over ‘specialist’.
Maybe the answer lies in how I define success for myself. If success is merely climbing a linear ladder within a specific industry, then being a specialist might have been the obvious choice. But my experiences, spread across industries and roles, have shaped my ability to solve problems creatively, adapt quickly, and think from multiple perspectives—qualities that wouldn’t have developed had I followed a narrower path.
Being a generalist has allowed me to stay curious, explore diverse fields, and add value in ways a specialist might not. However, the lingering question remains—am I diversifying too much, losing depth in the process, or is this diverse exposure a unique strength that sets me apart? The struggle, perhaps, isn’t about choosing between being a generalist or specialist but rather finding clarity on how to position my unique blend of skills as a strategic advantage.
This realization led me to consider consulting as a natural extension of my career path. A consultant thrives on versatility—bringing insights from various industries, solving diverse challenges, and offering strategic guidance across functions. My generalist background, once a source of self-doubt, now seems like the perfect foundation for this role. The ability to connect dots between seemingly unrelated experiences and apply them in new contexts is not a weakness but a strength in consulting.
Pursuing consulting as a side hustle, and eventually full-time, feels like aligning my skills with a career that values range over specialization. The exposure I’ve gained across industries and roles equips me to offer broader insights, while my operational experience helps ground those insights in practical execution. The goal isn’t just to be a problem-solver but to create lasting impact through a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on execution—qualities that define successful consultants.
Wait a minute—should I even be sharing this so openly on a blog? Isn’t it too transparent? What if this vulnerability gives the impression of uncertainty rather than self-awareness?
But then, isn’t that the point of being a generalist? To embrace the range of experiences, even the moments of self-questioning, while continuously evolving? A specialist might hesitate here, questioning the risks of being this open. Yet, as a generalist, I see value in sharing the thought process itself—because clarity often comes through reflection, not perfection.
My journey isn’t about having all the answers but about discovering them along the way. And perhaps, someone on a similar path might find value in this openness too.
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