Specialization is so rare. Whenever I look, I find a jack of all trades, a wannabe jack of all trades, or the worst—someone who thinks they are a specialist just because they know some shiny things. Everyone wants to learn everything. I don't know how to address this problem, especially with beginners. I need your help in identifying the problem. What do you think is happening?
Imagine you're at a buffet with all the delicious dishes you can imagine. You grab a bit of everything, but by the time you’re done, you’re not full, nor do you have a favorite dish. That's what I see happening in the tech world. Everyone's nibbling at every dish, but no one’s savoring the full course of any.
Is specialization:
- Underrated?
Absolutely. We’re in an era where broad knowledge is celebrated, but depth often gets overlooked. Specializing means diving deep, understanding the nitty-gritty, and becoming the go-to person for specific problems. It’s not glamorous at first glance, but it’s invaluable. Imagine being the person everyone turns to when a complex issue arises—sounds pretty cool, right?
- Misunderstood?
Oh, definitely. Many think specialization means knowing one thing and one thing only. In reality, it’s about mastering a core area while still being aware of the broader context. It’s like being a top chef in Italian cuisine but still knowing how to whip up a decent sushi roll. It’s depth with a sprinkle of breadth, not the other way around.
- Very hard?
Yep, it is. Specializing requires dedication, curiosity, and often going down rabbit holes that seem endless. It’s challenging to stick to one path when there are so many shiny new technologies to explore. But the payoff? Immense. Think of it as leveling up in a game. The higher you go, the tougher it gets, but the rewards are also way cooler.
So, what’s happening? Beginners are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things to learn. They dabble in everything, hoping to find their niche but often end up with surface-level knowledge. The industry’s fast pace and the pressure to be “up-to-date” don't help either.
Let’s shift the narrative. Instead of encouraging newbies to learn everything under the sun, let’s guide them to explore deeply. Let’s celebrate the specialists, the ones who know their stuff inside out. Because in the end, being a jack of all trades might get you to the door, but being a master of one? That gets you the keys to the kingdom.
Top comments (5)
I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.Knowing everything tech is impossible. Always wanting to learn the last technologies is a good way to burnout. Most of the positions doesn't require to learn brand new technologies but to focus on a couple of things.
Specialization is a long-term mission, takes a lot of motivation and dedication. It can pay off in the end. Also, it requires finding a work context where you can shine (e.g. a place with a legacy code-base where it's difficult to recruit, etc.)
Well, I think it is not as black and white as it seems. I've been actively in software development world for about 1.5 years and what I have seen in the work market, there is no way that you will be able to land a job when specializing in one thing. Employers want employees who can do it all. If I'd specialize in Java or Python or whatever language, there would be even less interviews I'd be invited to. Currently, in EU, I see that most job offers are for senior level or "entry level" developers with 3+ years of experience, and you will never be able to compete with that when you are specialized. To be more appealing, in addition to Python & Django and Java & SpringBoot, I've also had to learn JavaScript, Vue.js, React, jQuery, CSS, Docker, Redis, Celery, SoapUI, and the list goes on. I do not enjoy it and I want to be more specialized, but that is not the kind of world we live in, where specialization is appreciated by employers. I would LOVE to dig deep and specialize, but sadly bills won't get paid and food will not come to my table on hopes and dreams.
| Beginners are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things to learn.
Very true. I appreciate your insight on this topic.
Love this!