I'm reminded of Heinlein:
A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
Pfft. I wholeheartedly reject Heinlien's thesis. Comparative advantage and fungibility are awesome. He can go change diapers, pitch manure, take orders and die. Doing those things sucks.
I'm going to respectfully disagree with you specifically about the taking orders part.
In Heinlein's day, until Vietnam and the eventual end of the draft, many, many young males had military experience. The ability to take orders and give orders was assumed, and the ability to do so skillfully was recognized and admired. In the days of big, hierarchical organizations, this was the path to career success.
However, big, hierarchical organizations haven't disappeared. There are also a lot of relatively small hierarchical organizations. But the ability to ...
Hey everyone I just read this, which in turn lead me to this and I'm curious as to what are some skills and fields of study that people think fit the category of 'rare and valuable'.
Not just in white collar environments either, but also considering the entertainment industry, hospitality, trades and so forth.
I've noticed anything that involves interfacing tends to have good dividends, especially if you can freelance.
Would love to hear your thoughts.