I agree with the "No one knows how to work with generalists" statement, and I have found myself scrambling to answer the "What exactly do you do?" question a few times. It feels like a small few appreciate the idea that I just like to build things and don't mind moving around to address issues in different "areas." Others expect to put me in a seat with a label on it and focus on whatever tasks require the person in that chair. I invariably get called something I'm brought on to the team and then switch gears unexpectedly. ("I didn't know you code.")
Your idea for pairing generalists is awesome, and I wonder if it's viable to do independently and "sell" two generalists as a team to recruiters/companies. Just like the art director and copywriter combo, two generalists sell themselves as a duo able to address any challenge from the server to sales.
That's a really great suggestion. We only work on our own products, but if I go back to client services it's definitely something I'd like to explore :)
That idea is probably worth a lot of money. Pairs of contractors knocking out massively scoped quickly needed solutions that can afford to be (mildly) wonky if they're timely. Like you might end up with a billing system written in Haskell, but you'll have it next week:)
Your idea for pairing generalists is awesome, and I wonder if it's viable to do independently and "sell" two generalists as a team to recruiters/companies. Just like the art director and copywriter combo, two generalists sell themselves as a duo able to address any challenge from the server to sales.