Like most things in life one is never better than the other, just different. There are advantages in both and if you are in a hiring position you would be shooting yourself in the foot if you discarded the apparently unstable candidate(s).

These two distinct life paths offer two very different set of options. I'll go over some and you can let me know if you agree or not via a comment below.

A deep but thin resume involving specializing in one area of expertise, ex. Doctor, pilot etc.

• much better odds of having a very high income but with income comes expenses and responsibilities and usually a fair amount of stress
• expert in their own field but may fumble when asked to multitask

- difficult to 'rebuild career' if chosen industry should falter

A shallow resume that stretches quite wide, many different experiences/jobs/travels, better know as a Generalist. Being in my 28th job I definitely fall into this category and have some bias for preferring it. It fits with my character better. I love variety, freedom and change while others are uneasy with change. Some points to consider about a Generalist:

• have many different angles when viewing a problem
• lots of experience with adaptation and evolution
• can pitch-in in almost any situation and is as comfortable speaking with a CEO as with a store clerk
• very good at thinking on their feet - decision making at critical moments

Obviously if you need surgery you would want an expert but consider the generalist if your company is searching for a evangelist (software not religious), most management positions, event organizing, promotion, etc..

A quick anecdote about having varied experiences. One of my past experiences included high level training as a stuntman. While I chose not to proceed with a film career the training came in quite handy one night when a Chevy blazer decided to drive head on into my speeding bicycle. Having a background in intentional vehicular collisions enabled me to make a quick decision (which led to going over the suv instead of under it) that saved me from very serious injury. I have many business examples as well but this one, being so life-and-death, really shows what a wide resume can give you when a critical decision needs being made.

Nothing can replace experience and great experience can be either very detailed or very varried. Keep both in mind when filling your next position.

Bruce writes about Living Underground and other things at The Big Desk