Why Gen Z can't afford to specialize at work

"In 2013, at the age of 22, I found myself in what many in my field would consider a dream position: working in New York City as an analyst at Goldman Sachs. The position offered everything young professionals are typically told to value: competitive compensation, a prestigious brand name, world-class offices in Manhattan, comprehensive benefits, and a clear career trajectory. I was at the epitome of certainty-or so it seemed."

"In 2025,150 companies have laid off 72,808 tech workers. Many of them had developed expertise in highly specialized roles that did not easily transfer to new industries or functions. The World Economic Forum projects that by 2030, 70% of skills used in most jobs will have changed. This means that the skills that make you indispensable right now may become obsolete in five years."

"However, David Epstein's research in his book shows that generalists outperform specialists in complex, unpredictable environments. This is because they can connect insights across disciplines, adapt to new contexts, and transfer skills from one domain to another. A CAREER BUILT ON RANGE In 2014, my friend Taylor (not his real name) told me he was confused about his career. After earning an English degree, he joined Teach for America's prestigious program, and started teaching in an underserved community. Great on paper."

At 22, a young analyst worked at Goldman Sachs in New York City with competitive compensation, a prestigious brand, Manhattan offices, comprehensive benefits, and a clear career trajectory. Doubt arose over increasing specialization that promised stability but limited future options. By 2025, many tech workers were laid off after developing expertise in roles that did not transfer across industries. The World Economic Forum projects 70% of job skills will change by 2030. Research shows generalists outperform specialists in complex, unpredictable environments because they connect insights across disciplines, adapt to new contexts, and transfer skills between domains. A career built on range enables pivoting into new roles.

Read at Fast Company