I came of age in the industry when there was little distinction (python guy since 2004 or so). That provides many pros and cons.

The more you know broadly, the smarter you’ll sound. And generally, you will tend to be more useful and fulfilled.

If you want a career that is focused, you have to choose a focus. I’ve struggled with that. You need a broad base of knowledge to be good at understanding all things, and how they connect.

But eventually someone needs a lightbulb changed, and I’m testing the grounding of a nearby lightswitch while on the phone with a contractor about shielding noise from the antiquated home stereo system.

Edit: I should probably mention explicitly.

Investing in TensorFlow or CUDA is one thing. Investing in certain ML techniques or modeling domains another—and python yet another—

Systems and general engineering is a completely messier enchilada. You still get paid!

So. I guess. Do better than I. Choose a scale. It’s impossible to focus on everything unless that’s just an impulse you’ve got :)