“Careers are not ladders, but jungle gyms. Don't just move up and down; move side to side, and pivot to new opportunities.”
Sheryl Sandberg
In the job market where adaptability and agility is increasingly needed, those with non-linear career paths are evolving into one of the workplace’s most valuable assets: the Generalists.
Though often misjudged and mislabeled , Job Hoppers in their early career become the high-value Generalists later in their careers who bring a unique ability to connect dots, solve diverse problems, and foster innovation in ways that Specialists often cannot.
'The hallmark of expertise is no longer how much you know. It's how well you synthesize. Information scarcity rewarded knowledge acquisition, while information abundance requires pattern recognition. It's no longer enough to collect facts. Instead, the future belongs to those who connect dots"
Adam Grant
The Path to Mastery
The rise of the Generalists tied to a broader shift in how we define career success. Traditional career paths often emphasized upward mobility—a steady climb on the corporate ladder. However, slower promotions, economic uncertainty, and evolving employee priorities have challenged this model.
Lateral moves, cross-functional roles, and even temporary job shifts are now recognized as accelerators for learning and growth. Internal mobility, or moving to new roles within an organization, can enhance employee engagement and strengthen cross-functional connections, allowing individuals to amass diverse experiences, hone problem-solving skills, and expand their networks.
A Generalist mindset and approach, supported by lateral moves, becomes an opportunity to master new skills, gain fresh perspectives, and contribute to broader organizational goals. While this may look confusing on a résumé, it's a deliberate and honorable path of skill-building and self-discovery.
“It doesn't make sense to hire smart people and then tell them what to do; we hire smart people so they can tell us what to do.”
Steve Jobs
The Rise of the Gig Economy
A portfolio career is a professional path where individuals engage in multiple work roles, "side hustles" or income streams simultaneously, often combining freelance, part-time , or project-based work. It allows people to leverage diverse skills, pursue multiple passions, and adapt to a rapidly changing job market, making it an appealing option for both Generalists and Specialists.
This career model is becoming more popular due to increased flexibility and a desire for greater work-life balance. It is estimated that in 5 years, 50% of all professionals will have a portfolio career. In fact many experts and futurists predict that 9 to 5 jobs will become altogether extinct.
"If the path before you is clear, you're probably on someone elses."
Carl Jung
The Generalist Advantage
Generalists stand out for their ability to see and operate in the bigger picture. They are unique from other employees because they possess
A Holistic Understanding: Generalists excel in leadership by seeing how various parts of a business interconnect. They anticipate challenges by using insights from different departments to solve problems across the organization.
Versatility Across Industries & Positions: Generalists thrive in diverse environments, from startups to large corporations, adapting quickly to shifting priorities and handling various tasks across roles.
Creative Problem Solving: With broad knowledge, generalists are skilled at solving complex problems. They consider the bigger picture when others can't- noticing patterns, identifying connections, and drawing on diverse experiences from multiple areas to craft innovative solutions.
A Future-Proof Career Path: As industries evolve, generalists' transferable skills—such as adaptability and collaboration—are in high demand, helping them navigate changes and apply human-centric strategies.
Built-In Resilience: Job hopping and adjusting to different environments build resilience in generalists, preparing them to thrive in fast-paced, uncertain workplaces.
Adaptability & Agility: Generalists' ability to switch between roles, industries, and challenges makes them highly adaptable. Their broad experience allows them to approach problems from various angles and create novel solutions.
Leadership Ability: Generalists often have cross-functional experience, making them natural leaders. Their ability to connect teams across departments and foster collaboration is essential for roles requiring interdisciplinary solutions.
Generalists may not fit neatly into a traditional job description, but their flexibility and breadth of knowledge can transform structures and drive real business impact. We are the strategic, resilience leaders who are best suited to tackle complex, multifaceted challenges that propel organizations forward.
We can identify new opportunities, drive innovation, and foster collaboration and can take on the company's most pressing needs. Our ability to navigate shifting priorities while maintaining a big-picture view is what ultimately sets us apart.
We are...
Resilient
Confident
Connected
Experienced
Self Aware
Self-Motivated
Adaptable
Agile
Unique
Tolerant
Curious
Generalists Can Do It All—But Should They?
In the marketing world, the misconception that one person can handle every aspect of the field is damaging. From brand management to SEO, the list of specialized roles is long and requires unique skill sets:
Brand Manager
Social Media Manager
Marketing Automation Manager
PR Manager
Paid Media Manager
Communications Manager
Graphic Designer
SEO Specialist
Conference & Events Manager
Shopify eCommerce Specialist
Channel Marketing Manager
CRM Manager
Product Marketing Manager
Performance Marketer
It’s unrealistic—and frankly, disrespectful—to expect a single person to excel in all of these areas simultaneously. Generalists are often expected to perform at the level of a specialist in each of these areas. This is dangerous because it can lead to burnout, as they juggle a wide variety of tasks without the depth of expertise that specialists provide.
While Generalists are great at seeing the bigger picture and connecting the dots across various functions, their lack of deep expertise can sometimes hinder their ability to deliver in highly competitive, niche markets. High-stakes campaigns that demand deep, specialized knowledge can expose the limitations of a Generalist in certain areas, leaving results less than optimal.
"Some call it 'career ADHD.' I call it the future of work. The future belongs to the curious, and curiosity doesn't move in straight lines."
Lindsey Lerner
Generalists are often likened to a "Sampler Platter" or a "Buffet" of skills. They have the flexibility to dip into multiple areas, but that comes with great risk. It’s important for Generalists to focus on their strengths and avoid spreading themselves too thin, as doing so can lead to overwhelm and burnout.
In order to thrive, Generalists must be equipped with the right tools, tech support, and efficient systems to reduce strain and optimize productivity. With the proper resources, a supportive environment, and cross-functional opportunities, Generalists can continue to drive innovation and deliver cohesive strategies.
Generalists are...
The Swiss Army Knives
The Jack of All Trades
The Masters of Many
The Shapeshifters
The Chameleons
The All-Rounders
The Do-it-Alls The Self-Starters
The Change-Agents
The Problem Solvers
The Boundary Pushers
The Rule Breakers
The Fact Seekers
The Innovators
The Adaptors
The Integrators
The Connectors
The Experimenters
The Expanders
The Synthesizers
The ZigZaggers
The Polymaths
The Learners
The Disruptors
The Octopus'
The Magic Makers
The Multi-Taskers
The Multi-Potentialites
The Multi-Hypenates
Debunking Myths About Generalists & Job-Hoppers
There are a lot of old narratives that are out of date and out of touch.
MYTH: Career success comes from specialization.
FACT: The modern workplace increasingly values generalists for their adaptability and ability to connect dots across disciplines. In our careers we’re often pressured to pick a lane, but in today’s rapidly shifting landscape, that’s not always a good idea. As businesses grow and evolve, Generalists have the flexibility to pivot based on emerging needs, making them invaluable assets to employers.
MYTH: It’s hard to get hired as a Generalist.
FACT: Generalists excel in roles requiring flexibility, strategic thinking, and innovation. Their value lies in their ability to tackle multifaceted challenges.
MYTH: Job hoppers are risky hires because they're ..... (indecisive, scattered, uncommited, unfocused, unstable, etc)
FACT: Generalists and job hoppers bring diverse experiences, resilience, and a unique ability to adapt to new environments. These qualities are essential for solving complex problems and fostering innovation.
“The most valuable professionals are those motivated by autonomy, mastery, and purpose—not just paychecks.”
Daniel Pink
MYTH: Job-hopping is about chasing dollar signs.
FACT: Of course, everyone wants a higher salary, especially in today's world where the cost of living has skyrocketed. However many modern job-hoppers are actually more driven by a desire for meaningful work, healthy work environments, and personal growth. For many, especially Generalists, a fulfilling career often means finding roles that can align with their values, utilize their full range of skills, and allow for continuous learning.
"People don't just change jobs for more money. They also change jobs for respect and inner peace."
MYTH: Specialists will achieve results better than Generalists.
FACT: In today’s complex marketing landscape, targeted, data-driven approaches generally produce better results than broad, generalized tactics. As marketing becomes more sophisticated, specializing in specific areas can lead to more effective and innovative strategies. However, it's all about a balance. Focusing too heavily on one area or narrow niche tactic can have risks and drawbacks. It means your team can have less versatility and fewer opportunities for cross-functional collaboration.
Your career path does not have to be linear - you are not meant to fit into a box.
Embracing Your Unique, Unexpected or Undefined Path
Generalists have long battled self-doubt, especially when they see specialists getting praise and winning early. Self-acceptance is a key part of the Generalist journey. Many successful generalists started from a place of insecurity, fighting against the pressure to specialize.
If you're a Generalist feeling undervalued or overwhelmed, it's time to advocate for your strengths and be clear about the broad impact you bring. Many leaders recognize the value of Generalists, but sometimes it takes speaking up and asking for the right opportunity.
Generalists must be able articulate how their adaptability, strategic thinking, and ability to connect across roles are assets to the business. This kind of advocacy empowers Generalists to take on more meaningful, impactful work—showing that we are key players for driving growth.
Overcoming the Discomfort of Self Promotion
If you're a jack-of-all-trades who struggles to talk about your diverse background, it's time to stop boasting about how many hats you've worn or experiences you've had. Instead, embrace a mindset shift
The harsh truth: THE JOB SEARCH IS NOT ABOUT YOU. IT'S ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS.
Every company and organization has a pain point - some sort of problem/want/need that they know they need to solve. It's time to let them know that solution is YOU.
How can you deliver results and impact? How do your unique set of skills and experiences translate to help future employers.
In other words, it's the energy of: "If you're looking for someone who can do x, y, z - rest assured I've done it before. Here's how I've done it and here's how I will help you."
HOt TIP: Your potential employers are already telling you exactly what they want in their next hire. It's all in the job description, so let that guide you. Organize the keywords and key phrases from the job description into the following categories, and then look for the common themes. Remember to use those exact words and phrases in your resume, LinkedIn profile, networking situations, and job interviews.
1) WHAT YOU DO - WHAT’S IN IT FOR THEM (What are the outcomes they want from this job? What are the goals for this job?)
2) JOB-SPECIFIC TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES (What does the company want you to do in that job? What are the tasks and responsibilities?)
3) WHO YOU ARE - YOUR PERSONALITY (What kind of person are they looking for in this role?)
4) HARD & SOFT SKILLS
"The path looks messy, until it looks genius."
Milly Tamati
A "squiggly" or zig-zag career path isn’t a flaw—it’s an asset. It may look like pure chaos on paper, but each of those experiences and pivots has shaped you into the Genius you are today, building a broader skill set, unique insights and invaluable intellectual assets.
There’s freedom in realizing you don’t fit into a box. Your complexity can't be categorized, no matter how much others or you may have tried to define it or market it. Eventually, you stop searching for a label for yourself and start celebrating your Chameleon-like qualities and all the confusion, contradictions and fluidity that goes with it.
Find beauty, pride and joy in your "compound learning" journey. It's okay if your path looks different from the norm, simply because you refuse to limit yourself. You are a funky shaped puzzle piece, but a puzzle piece nonetheless!
“Enthusiasm is common. Endurance is rare.”
Angela Duckworth
An Ode to The Explorers & Late Bloomers
If your career path is all over the place, you're not alone.
Some of the most iconic names in history took unconventional paths too. Countless experts and changemakers found their calling later in life, demonstrating that diverse experiences lay the groundwork for innovation and impact.
Here are some notable examples of famous generalists who thrived in multiple careers before finding success, demonstrating that diverse experiences and multiple roles can drive innovation, influence, and success across industries
Elon Musk: From PayPal to Tesla and SpaceX, Musk’s diverse ventures span energy, transportation, and space, demonstrating how broad knowledge fuels innovation.
Richard Branson: Starting with Virgin Records, Branson expanded into airlines, space travel, and health, showcasing the power of entrepreneurial versatility.
Oprah Winfrey: Initially a news anchor, Oprah's diverse talents in journalism, entertainment, and philanthropy built her into a global icon.
Maya Angelou: With careers as a dancer, actress, journalist, and poet, Angelou’s rich experiences shaped her impactful literary and activist work.
Arnold Schwarzenegger: From bodybuilding to acting and politics, Schwarzenegger built an empire across multiple fields, proving the value of a varied career.
Steve Jobs: Jobs combined technology, design, and philosophy, revolutionizing products that changed the world.
Ellen DeGeneres: A comedian, actress, talk show host, and producer, DeGeneres continually reinvents herself across entertainment genres.
Shonda Rhimes: As a writer, producer, and TV show creator, Rhimes shaped the television landscape with hits like Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal.
Jessica Ennis-Hill: An Olympic gold medalist turned mentor and TV presenter, Ennis-Hill's versatility extends beyond athletics into media and advocacy.
Rihanna: A pop star turned fashion and beauty mogul, Rihanna’s ventures like Fenty Beauty have reshaped industries.
George Clooney: An actor turned director, producer, and entrepreneur, Clooney successfully balances business and philanthropy.
Our breadth of experience is ultimately a strength, not a limitation.
Similarly, there are hundreds of well-known creative figures and founders across history who achieved success or began their impactful work later in life, illustrating that it’s never too late to make your mark. All of these people achieved their mastery and career success and reached their peak in their 40s, 50s, 60s and even 70s
Ray Kroc – Founder of McDonald's.
Colonel Harland Sanders – Founder of KFC
Vera Wang – Fashion Designer.
Laura Ingalls Wilder – Author of Little House on the Prairie.
"Grandma Moses" – Painter and Folk Artist.
James Dyson – Inventor of the Dyson Vacuum.
Gordon Moore – Co-Founder of Intel.
Albert Einstein – Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist.
Julia Child – Chef and Author.
Martha Stewart – Businesswoman and TV Personality.
Toni Morrison – Nobel Prize-Winning Author.
Don't feel guilty for 'job hopping". Stopping something that is no longer good for you is not quitting. It is pruning. It is editing. It is strengthening. It is making room for new growth.
A Final Call to Action
For Professionals: If you’re a self-proclaimed job hopper, take heart: your ability to 'Shapeshift" is your superpower. Lean into a Generalist identity by reframing how you pitch or market yourself. Your story isn’t about fitting into a box; it’s about creating your own unique narrative. When applying for roles, focus on how your varied experience equips you to tackle multifaceted challenges and bring fresh perspectives to solve problems. Resist the urge to "prove" your value to skeptics. Instead, focus on your strengths! Embrace your non-linear path, your full range of skills and talents. Don’t shrink to make others comfortable, and remember that others’ limitations aren’t your ceiling.
“In a world of rapid change, it’s the Integrators—those who can see the whole picture—who thrive."
John Seely Brown
In today’s business world, Generalists CAN do anything. We understand all the potential levers to pull, and we can move the needle on almost anything without a steep learning curve. But oftentimes our challenge isn’t a lack of focus or direction—it’s articulating our unique value clearly.
When you are trying to tell a story of someone with many parts and layers, there can be a struggle to figure our WHICH parts to include. You want to be authentic but without confusing or overwhelming your audience/reader.
Our brains and society has an obsession with titles, categorization and labels but we are the rare ones who can't fit neatly in a box.
So rather than telling your WHOLE story, aim to tell the parts of your story best serve your client/audience/reader: What can they relate to? What would they identify with/see themselves in? What do they need doing? What is the business case for the role, and the organizational benefit to them?
In reality, our work speaks louder than any label ever could. So SHOW them, don't tell them.
Stop trying to explain yourself to people who think inside boxes. Start showing them what happens when you think outside of the boxes. Your superpower isn't fitting in. It's standing out.
Lindsey Lerner
For Employers & Hiring Managers: It's understandable that the idea of Generalists, Job-Hoppers and other unconventional professionals might make you uncomfortable because it disrupts your established belief system. If something doesn't align with their assumptions you may try to dismiss or undervalue it instead of adaptiong or learning more. However when we overlook or devalue candidates with unconventional resumes, we miss out on so much untapped talent that can drive meaningful and measurable change. Building tomorrow’s leaders starts with recognizing the power of adaptability today.It’s time to value generalists for their multi-talents and multi-potential.
Generalists have an essential role in the future of work, as long as they are empowered to succeed. By providing them with the right support systems and recognition, managers can help Generalists thrive in their multifaceted roles.
Embracing the new generation of workers means moving beyond rigid hiring practices of the past that prioritize narrow expertise. It's time to think globally. In today's world where flexibility and creativity are increasingly essential, Generalists aren’t just capable of surviving—they’re destined to thrive.
“The trend is moving away from pure specialists and toward multidisciplinary individuals who can blend knowledge across fields.”
Tim Ferriss
Wrapping It Up
I used to worry and feel a lot of shame about non-linear my career path. But looking back, I realize that being a "job-hopper" and a Generalist was one of the best decisions I could have made for my career.
It's allowed me to learn a TON more than if I had specialized or niched down. Now I am a better leader, coach and consultant because I have an understanding of ALL aspects of marketing, from strategy to support. Having diverse experiences in many tactics and channels has helps me not only do my job better, but also to collaborate, direct and delegate and mentor others better too.
We're guided by a hunger to constantly learn, explore and expirement. Our Superpower: Curiosity.
As artificial intelligence continues to automate specialized tasks, the value of human employees will increasingly lie in their ability to think creatively, make connections across disciplines, and adapt to shifting priorities.
Today's Generalists and Job-hoppers are transforming the modern workforce by encouraging a broader acceptance and respect of non-linear career paths. We bring a unique magic to the table that will continue to fuel growth and transformation in our ever-changing world.
The Bottom Line: Hire that Job-Hopper, or that Generalist. You won't regret it.
“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer. Specialization is for insects.”
Robert Heinlein
Erin Ratliff is a holistic, organic growth + visibility business coach and consultant serving energy-sensitive soul-preneurs, heart-led self-starters/founders with the mission of personal and planetary healing.
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