specialist vs generalist in work

Recently Ive been reflecting on my work history and how ive become very much of a generalist as in my experience is much broader than it is deep in any one field. Ive done a lot of different kinds of work and learned a handful of tricks.. but my latest venture has me becoming very focused on a particular craft there seems to be a good future in specializing.

I cant go back and undo my broad spread to refocus myself into my new found specialization yet im not sure id even want to.

As a normally generalist im not afraid of learning new things or doing things i havent before and i wonder if someone without that experience might feel more trapped in their specialization if they started much earlier than me and stopped learning new jobs.

My brother in law for example has been working at the same place for ten years.. and wasnt inteterested when he was offered a similar job for much more hourly. its as if hes afraid of change even if it means giving up opportunity.

Thoughts?

Knowledge is priceless. Try to learn as much as you can about the things that interest you, and even those that don't. That way you'll be more prepared to deal with the unexpected. For example, during a zombie apocalypse, you're going to need more than just one skill to get by.

Depends on what kind of role you want in your workingplace/what kind of ambition you have. In a manager/project leader role it is usually better to be a generalist. As a specialist you are often more of a "gruntworker", with more responsibility and hopefully higher pay.