Explore multi-path careers.
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Editor’s note: The faster the world changes, the broader the stage for generalists. We should look for points of interest outside of our most professional fields, cultivate and develop them, achieve TOP25% in multiple fields, and create our own “skill combination”. The author of this article Thomas Oppong, the original title is “The Multi-Path Career Advantage: Expert Generalists Are More Likely to be Successful in The Future”, I hope to inspire you.
In the past 6 months, many things have changed. Although uncertainty has become the new normal and changes are not new, recent changes have been too great.
2020 will be recorded in the annals of history, because in this year, the established custom, habits and traditions in all areas of life have changed.
We are going through a historic change. If you don’t adapt quickly, you may be left behind by the times. With the current global changes, the popularization of remote working methods and the uncertainty of work, it will be more common for a person to set foot in multiple fields in the future.
The fast-developing world requires us to abandon traditional thinking, abandon old work rules, quickly learn new skills, and develop new habits to help us thrive in the new work world.
In a long period of time, our work life will be different. You have not lost anything because you can adapt, reshape yourself, and benefit from your skills.
Today, it’s worth it to be a generalist
The term “expert-generalist” was coined by Orit Gadiesh, chairman of Bain & Company and corporate strategist.
She defines expert generalists as those who have the ability and curiosity to master and collect professional knowledge in many different disciplines, industries, skills, fields and abilities.
Expert generalists can thrive in almost any environment. They are prepared for changing conditions. They use knowledge in different fields to deal with the problems they face, and connect points in multiple fields to achieve success.
Leonardo DafinQi (Leonardo Da Vinci) said: “Learn the science of art, learn the art of science. Cultivate your senses, especially learning how to see. Be aware that everything is interconnected.”
Steve Jobs once ran both Pixar and Apple. For decades, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger have been investing in multiple businesses. Elon Musk runs a number of companies (Tesla, SpaceX, etc.). The same is true for Jack Dorsey and Jeff Bezos.
Today, some of the most successful founders are still running multiple projects. The new world of work will reward those generalists.
You can also choose a variety of occupations to keep different fields relevant. Combine two or more “fairly good” skills and work hard to improve these skills until no one has your skill set.
Scott Adams, author of the famous comic strip “Dilbert,” said in an insightful article that if you want to live a different life, you have two paths :
1. Do your best in a specific thing.
2. Be very good at two or more things (top 25%).
The first strategy is difficult to achieve, almost impossible. Few people can play in the NBA or make a platinum record. I do not recommend everyone to try.
The second strategy is fairly simple. Everyone has at least a few areas where they are slightly better at. With a little effort, they can be among the top 25%. For example, as far as I am concerned, I paint better than most people, but I am not an artist.
The future before us is no longer narrowly defined as a certain core skill, but complementary skills and learning agility.
Herminia Ibarra has been studying career changes for the past two decades. He said: “When you don’t know what will happen in the future, face great uncertainty, or worry about unexpected career paths The pursuit of career diversification is very meaningful when turning to
Develop transferable skills to prepare for future careersh3>
During the economic downturn, we have many ways to diversify our income. One exciting way is to explore your favorite activities and then pay to teach others online.
What are your most valuable skills (including hard skills and soft skills)? Those transferable skills often provide new opportunities for rapid change of roles.
When you are not working, what do you like? Do you like painting or playing musical instruments? These hobbies that you like in your spare time can be packaged into online learning courses, which can really become a viable career choice.
When you are looking for ways to increase your income, look at your passion, because it will become an incredible career that doesn’t even feel like a job.
Many transferable skills, such as how to negotiate, lead, adapt, sell, solve problems, communicate and organize projects, can be applied to a wide range of industries. In our ever-changing world, everyone needs these skills. If you happen to be good at it, then think about teaching others how to develop these skills.
Don’t just focus on job titles, but focus on the skills you’ve learned over the years and things you can carry over.
David Epstein, author of “Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World” (Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World), said: “Modern work requires knowledge transfer: knowledge transfer The ability to apply to new situations and different fields.”
If you position yourself as a professional title, such as a writer, you may miss all other areas where you may be successful. These jobs may also require the use of writing skills.
When you think about your next career, don’t just think about what you are doing now, but analyze your past achievements, everything you excel at, and the skills you have accumulated over the years for success.
Review what skills you have, highlight your unique and transferable skills, and think about how to develop, market, or highlight these skills to achieve a successful career transition.
In this era of exponential change, pattern recognition can help you build a multi-path career.
In the ever-changing economic environment, a powerful technique is to think broadly and identify those overlooked skills to help you build a promising career.
John Schwarz, the founder and CEO of Visier, said: “Knowing your hobbies and keeping an open mind about the direction of development of these hobbies is essential for self-innovation and career. Important.”
Key Points
The career of the future may look very different from what it is now. Those who can remain flexible and open-minded, although they also face uncertainty, have a greater chance of success.
Don’t just focus on one career path, diversify if you can. Today, the traditional career development model may not be your best choice. We are witnessing a major change in the times.
To survive in the ever-changing workplace, you must broaden and deepen your skills. This is the only way to have a long career in the 21st century.
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Recommended reading: How did I make a “passive income” of 280,000 yuan at the age of 26?
Translator: Jane