How Range Can Future-Proof Your Career (And Make You Happier, Too)

Why the most valuable employees of tomorrow are the broadest thinkers today.

The world of work is evolving at breakneck speed. New industries are born overnight, while old ones vanish. In this landscape, the greatest asset isn’t deep expertise in a single area—it’s the ability to adapt, collaborate, and learn on the fly. David Epstein’s 'Range' shows that generalists, not specialists, are best prepared for the future.

Most people end up working outside their college major, and the most successful professionals are those who can pivot, learn new skills quickly, and connect ideas across domains. Companies are starting to value employees who bring diverse experiences and perspectives, knowing that these are the people who can tackle novel problems and drive innovation.



Generalists also report higher levels of career satisfaction. Their breadth allows them to find better matches between their skills and their work, and to seize new opportunities as they arise.

To future-proof your own career, seek out cross-functional projects, continue learning outside your comfort zone, and build a network of people from different fields. The more range you have, the more resilient and fulfilled you’ll be.

For more on the future of work and the power of range, see: 1 3 4