Since I've been out of high school I've been trying the jack of all trades route. I've dabbled in construction, landscaping, food service, game development (in my spare time trying to get going as a side business), and I watch my mechanic friend in the hopes that I'll pick up enough to bluff my way into the field should the opportunity present itself.
Is this really the right way, though? Sure, it's good to have skills in other areas if the area your working in folds up. For example, let's say I got a job tomorrow with EA Games (really stretching here). If that doesn't turn out well I could go out and make my living as a landscaper. If that didn't turn out well I could get a job in a deli or a truck stop.
However, developing skills in all accessible areas means that there will never be a skill set I've mastered. Sure, I'm learning about game development, but the time I spend studying landscaping keeps me from reaching my full potential there, and the time I spend in game development hinders my growth as a landscaper. Same with all fields.
So is having a wide range of partially developed skills better than having one mastered skill? A range can keep you from going hungry, but a mastered skill can mean the difference between $11,000 per year at McDonald's and $25,000 (give or take) per year at a job you like.
I'm not asking anyone to choose my career. I'm asking for opinions on which route would be the best in the long run.
Jack of all trades or just focus on one?
Jack of all trades or just focus on one?
Those who call the faithful 'sheep' do not realize that they themselves are sheep. We follow one shepherd, they follow another.
Even just "Game programming" there are lots of different positions. Look at my thread Programming AND Designing to see what I mean.
I think to make good money you have to grow up and stick to one thing and make up your mind. Because you will need to get a good degree which will cost thousands of dollars and 3-4 years of devotion on one thing. But I havent "grown up" myself yet so I shouldn't be talking.
EDIT: This is the same with hobbies, I like cars, working out, programming, video games, tennis, going out with friends etc etc and I find it very hard to do all this and be good at any one of them. Let alone have time for important things like study and work.
I think to make good money you have to grow up and stick to one thing and make up your mind. Because you will need to get a good degree which will cost thousands of dollars and 3-4 years of devotion on one thing. But I havent "grown up" myself yet so I shouldn't be talking.
EDIT: This is the same with hobbies, I like cars, working out, programming, video games, tennis, going out with friends etc etc and I find it very hard to do all this and be good at any one of them. Let alone have time for important things like study and work.