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[worms]

This is scary.  I find myself identifying with Dr. Dilettante in this article.  Its not that I love to dabble in everything, but more like, "Look at all the things that require my attention!"  With all of the interesting fields / organisms / technology out there, who can lock themselves into such a focused program of study?

But I've been rationalizing the issue by telling myself that this breadth of knowledge will make me a better teacher, since I realistically see myself landing a job at a small college or comprehensive university where research is encouraged, but not emphasized.

So, am I setting myself up for failure?  At what point do I sacrifice all the 'fun exploring' to buckle down and analyze the...cellular nutrient intake dynamics of pond scum...for the rest of my life?

Does anyone have a success story where they stuck to their stubborn beliefs and still landed the job they wanted?

[bio_prof_]

No worries. Study your pond scum nutrient uptake. You need to become an expert in something, but you need not let it take over who you are (though it may do so for a few years).  Teaching at a CC or small college can provide you with plenty of opportunities to teach in other fields.  I am having a wonderful time doing it!!

Another thing: If I told you what my doctoral reseach focused on, it would sound unbelieveably narrow; but iI was always surprised to discover the multitude of other fields and topics it related to.

[worms]

You need to become an expert in something, but you need not let it take over who you are (though it may do so for a few years). 

My primary focus (and interest) is in *pond scum*, but there seems to be little demand for such a field right now.  So I am prepared to study just about anything that keeps me close to the pond scum field. Hopefully I will have time for some nightlighting reseach in the scum I really like, or wait 20 years for a job opening.

[daniel_von_flanagan]

Dr. D created an interesting interdisciplinary program for herself, and assumed (based on what?) that it would make her employable.  She has now learned otherwise.  The solution is for her to decide what positions she is actually qualified for, do what she can to get one of those, and treat her other skills as useful avocations.

This happens all the time, even outside the university: someone opens a hot dog/dry goods/phrenology boutique, and then can't understand the dearth of customers.

Most academics have multiple skillsets, and generally broad knowledge is a good thing, but exactly because not all mixtures are attractive to all people, expertise in the core subject remains the most valuable quality for employability.  (It also helps to remain on good terms with your advisor.) - DvF