Greetings to all!

I hold a strong belief that developing diverse skill sets in design, graphics, programming, web programming, layout, 3D modeling, and SEO is more valuable than focusing solely on frontend or backend development. However, it begs the question whether an employer would find such a varied skill set useful.



Is it beneficial to master multiple areas simultaneously, or should one strive to become an expert in one specific field? Are there any companies that require a multi-faceted employee, or is specialization the way to go?

An employer values an individual who can complete a task using appropriate resources within set deadlines. Proficiency in cross-stitching won't be useful in an IT office. However, the ability to utilize mixed-development is beneficial in all fields of knowledge and leads to synergy.

Moreover, knowing multiple things and being able to switch between them decreases the chance of remaining unclaimed by the market. For instance, a web specialist should be familiar with protocols, databases, languages, frameworks, and the supply market.

Startups have limited resources, and if one can create a prototype with suitable design, mobile optimization, server configuration, and a braking analog of the application, the person will receive preference over a large company. Thus, despite specialization, it is crucial to understand all components of web development and related areas over time.

To become versatile and educated, half of the listed categories should be cut off and developed in-depth. A useful bundle to consider is design, layout, and web programming.

From personal experience, focusing on layout leads to better design outcomes, which are easier to make. Additionally, backend development can provide overlapping benefits for frontend development.

I fit the description of the "I-can-do-everything" person, with knowledge in Delphi, PHP, HTML/CSS, JS, PHP, C++, assembler, and perl, along with admin skills. However, I realized customers/employers prioritize getting quick results, and being a jack of all trades will only slow down the process.

As a result, I focused on iOS development and kept the other skills to solve specific tasks when necessary. Being knowledgeable in multiple areas is impressive, but it usually doesn't translate to increased financial gain. Specializing in one area is essential for efficiency and productivity.

Myths about programming perpetuate a false image of a Real Programmer with superhero-like abilities. The main character is presented as an anti-social, introverted person who only concentrates on creating code. However, this is not true.

A programmer communicates frequently with colleagues, attends conferences, and values team cohesion. They also have hobbies outside of work, such as dancing, drawing, or extreme sports. They face similar issues to the rest of us, such as lack of time for everything they enjoy.

Another misconception is that all programmers possess the same set of skills, including hacking social media accounts and repairing any computer malfunction. In reality, there are various areas within the IT field that require different expertise.

Additionally, computer programs solve problems beyond the IT field. Therefore, a programmer needs a basic understanding of subject areas like accounting to create high-quality products. Unfortunately, in most cases, an accountant cannot translate their expectations precisely, leading to a programmer having to learn about economics independently.

In summary, it's important not to focus on stereotypes when it comes to programming and acknowledge that each individual has their own unique strengths and weaknesses.