career path

Mar

2022

Are You Occupationally Well?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Would you score high in occupational wellness? Occupational wellness is an important part of everyone’s life as we spend most of our time at work during the day. If you imagine the perfect job; what would it look like? The traditional work setup has now evolved. Even if you still work the usual 9-5; some of us don’t have to go to the office as working from home has become more popular.

Occupational wellness is being able to achieve a balance between work and leisure with the freedom to make choices that promote personal satisfaction and career growth.

While workers are experiencing the pros and cons of working from home and at the office; a balance between life and work is still a major factor for workers to feel satisfied in their jobs, as The 2021 Global Employee Survey reports.

If you’ve ever wondered if you are doing well in your job; here are some questions to ask yourself to assess your occupational wellness.

Do you have a clear vision of your career goals?
Are you satisfied with your current job?
Are you passionate about your work?
Do you have or have you tried a sideline aside from your day job?
Have you tried putting up a business?
Do you feel excited to go to work?
Are you able to pay your monthly bills with your current income?
Are you open to learning about other income opportunities?
Do you feel heard and supported in your workplace?
Do you feel creative and productive when you are working?

These questions can help you assess your current job satisfaction. If you’ve answered more YES’ than No’s, then you can rate yourself as having good occupational wellness. However, it still best to consult with a professional, coach or mentor for any specific issues you have about your job or career goals.

Don’t be pushed by your problems. Be led by your dreams.
– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Remember that your job should be in line with the rest of the 8 dimensions of wellness. If one of these is lacking then it will affect the other dimensions. Your job for example, directly affects your financial wellness. Also, if you do feel that you are looking for something more than what your current job or career path is offering; then maybe it is time to take the leap and embark on a new path. After all, it is never too late to start doing something new again as long as you are dedicated and SMART about it.

Featured Image: Original Photo by Jason Strull on Unsplash.

Oct

2021

Is it Better to be A Generalist or Specialist?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

In today’s world, is it better to be a generalist or a specialist? If you are a newly graduate or in the early stages of your career; you are probably at a crossroad and wondering which career path to choose. Which one is better? Which will pay more? What path will help you become more successful in your career? Actually, even if you are already well into your career; it is a question that you probably asked yourself at least once, on whether or not you made the right choice. But before we go on any further, it is best to understand first what it is to become a generalist or a specialist for that matter.

Specialists

A specialist is someone who is an expert in a specific field. They have an in-depth understanding of a particular occupation or field of study. More often than not, specialists took further training or studies in that specific field. For example, a cardiologist is a specialist doctor who focuses on the heart and the blood vessels.

Why Take Up a Specialization?

There are many benefits to specialization but the most obvious advantage is that you become highly skilled and proficient in a specific field. It increases your productivity and output resulting to overall improved performance. With your refined skills, you are actually providing more value to your employer making it harder for them to replace you. You become more competitive with your highly specialized skills. So, more often than not, it leads to higher earnings. As a bonus, it also leads to increased respect from your peers and co-workers.

However, the drawback is that since specialists normally expect higher earnings, there are fewer job openings because not many companies can afford to hire a specialist. There is also the risk of being obsolete especially in the field of technology wherein major advancement and innovation are happening daily. On a personal note, since specialists will be doing the same kind of task over and over again; there is a risk of burn-out or boredom. Thus, it is not recommended for everyone. At the very least, taking up a specialization should be a matter of choice. Rather than taking up something that is in demand, one should instead consider one’s interests and career goals.

Generalists

On the other hand, a generalist is someone who knows a lot of skills. He is someone who is knowledgeable about a lot of topics. Because of this, they have a broader approach on looking at things. And more often than not, have the ability to see the bigger picture. Thus, generalists tend to have a wider and loosely-defined role in an organization.

Why Is It Good to Be A Generalist?

Because generalists can see the bigger picture, they have the ability to think out-of-the-box. This skill is needed most specially in a fast-changing environment. They can easily see the interconnectedness of things and find solutions in things where a specialist might miss. Thus, generalists often become leaders and managers in organizations. Their skill sets are transferable and can be applied regardless of what department they are leading.

However, generalists are said to be “a jack of all trades, master of none.” Because of this, generalists normally lack an in-depth understanding of things and may only see the surface. This is crucial because in some cases, the missing information that the generalist might overlook can be vital to the success of the project. Although generalists tend to have more job offers than specialists, the job security is not as stable. After all, it is easy to replace a generalist.

Is it Better to be A Generalist or A Specialist?

The answer depends on the individual. You can be successful either as a specialist or generalist. If you are one of the lucky few who already knows what they want to do early in life; it is a good idea to be a specialist in that specific field. You will gain success and recognition if you unleash your genius and live your purpose in life. But what to do if you don’t know what you wan t? Then be a generalist.

Feature Photo by Ann H from Pexels