The Generalist - #2: Execution is 99%, Picking is 1%. Know what to pick.

I have been working as full stack developer past 7 years in stacks like react, react native , flutter, spring boot , nest, graphql so on and so forth. So far being generalist has worked for me as I am never out of projects. However recently I met one Engineering manager who advised me to become a specialist in one domain for better growth going forward . How do you all see this specialist vs generalist idea ?

Hi folks, thinking of writing a regular mini blog here about my learnings being a generalist in the ecosystem. I currently handle growth at an ecom startup and have previously been through 2-3 startups + a large corporate in my 7 year career. #1: Why you should not stay only in startups Recently started reflecting on salaries of many peers who are also startup folks and trying to see where it stands. There are 3 cohorts: a. People who started out in Big 4/Corporate & then became a generalist: They've been underpaid the most. First pay was 4-5L, and when they transitioned to startups, started at 7-9L. Over time, growing from there is difficult without MBA. b. People who have forever been in startups: They earn more than A on average. But here too, there is a delta in their salaries vs. people with same YoE who went to an MBA and are in corporate now. Side note: I've seen this cohort has usually loved what they've done, and being in startups definitely has positively impacted their thought process. c. People who went to a corporate/big tech etc. mid way: This cohort has done the best long term. Their pay got recalibrated when they went to a larger company in the middle through their career, and when they rejoined startups, they were respected more in salary negotiation. This is to anybody out there who is a generalist and sees a similar path. Try to sandwich a proper, large company in your career. It gives you perspective on whether you like it and if startups is really your preferred route. And it also recalibrates your pay. Startups will limit you basis your last salary. Corporates have standards basis bands. Just something to think over. NOTE: Do share feedback, if this makes sense. And if you'd like to read more of these too.

I'm interested in getting freelance gigs in generalist roles. What can make or do to add to my proof of work portfolio? I have tried blog writing on business and management topics, but they aren't getting me anything Background: 6YOE with MBA, business roles across large Companies and startups. India based

Im a Product Manager 1yoe in a SaaS startup. I had a good experience in the first year. I got to build a product 0-1, competitor analysis, work on creating prioritization frameworks, UAT, content marketing, wireframing. However, since January the compamy started their stabilization phase, and PM's are now taking care of Sales and lead generation(Content, Ads etc.). The nail in the coffin is we are getting dragged to follow up renewals( Customer Success) 🤢 Im currently motivated to building something new, and it feels like we are being dragged into everything as the company does not want to hire. With no pay hike or any adfitional benefit. Please advice. Should I look for a new job?

Will entertain only serious questions that respect anonymity. I don’t mind humor, but trolling is strict no no. Conducted one AMA session last week & was overwhelmed by both number & positive feedback. I might choose to skip any question repeated from last time. Some things about me - I love to code & go beyond coding - Managed a team of around 20 people before - I love mentoring people - Presently overseeing the architecture and lifecycle of a suite of products Don’t mind me giving you some useful gyan 😀

What are the works you do as a generalist in your company?

So, I have heard multiple people that 20s is about exploring. Explore different jobs, work style, people etc , you name it! I believe with that, you cannot think of earning as exploration into different roles results in being at the same level across roles. 1. What would you do or are currently doing about this? 2. Do you agree that 20s is about exploring? 3. Did you explore in your 20s or did you try to climb the corporate ladder? 4. Would you do things differently if you had the chance?

I'm a design degree grad and have industry experience with a YC funded company and some freelance work. What's the industry looking for and what are the surface level skillsets us designers require to adapt to?

So , I graduated in 2023 from a decent college (private) and my branch was CSE. I had a job which I didn't do due to some reasons and then started looking for another job . It's mid of 2024 now and I still don't have a job and I am in desperate need of a job and the problem is I don't know what to do now . I don't know if I should continue preparing on my own or get a course with job support ,I don't know if I should change my sector or continue with it , lots of things going on my head I hope to get some great suggestions over here P.s. i think getting a course with job support will be ideal for me