Is it better to be a specialist in one/two topics or have a general idea on a variety of topics?

[Wheatmaster]

I've always pondered whether people are more successful if they knew alot about one or two topics or know general knowledge about a huge array of topics. Thoughts?

 

[bignateyk]

Depends whether you are working on the technical side of things or the management side. If you're designing an overall system it's better to know a little bit about everything in it, wheras if you are designing one part in the system it is better to know alot about that one area...

 

[KeithTalent]

In general I've noticed you'll make more money as a specialist.

KT

 

[KB]

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
In general I've noticed you'll make more money as a specialist.

KT

In IT this seems to be the case. Specialists tend to be well-paid consultants. Also if you are a generalist you tend to work more because you have more things you can work on.

 

[Delita]

Specialist

 

[KeithTalent]

Originally posted by: KB

Originally posted by: KeithTalent
In general I've noticed you'll make more money as a specialist.

KT

In IT this seems to be the case. Specialists tend to be well-paid consultants. Also if you are a generalist you tend to work more because you have more things you can work on.

I think it holds true in most professions, you can work less and charge more.

KT

 

[dainthomas]

You might make less money, but I think you'd have a more satisfying life with general knowledge of a wide variety of subjects.

 

[rudder]

Well if you have a general idea on a variety of topics you will be running around doing every little task. If you are a specialist you will be able to command more money... well because you are a specialist.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

pick a field any field. If you are in the top 2% of your field you will always have a job and will always have money.

 

[enwar3]

Know a lot of stuff but be a specialist in one =D

I used to think being well-rounded was awesome, but more and more people need to be sharp..