During the span of an individuals professional career, It is the common practice to start broad and constantly narrow the path down towards dedication in a very specialised dicipline. There is some truth in the advantages of such, as dedicating yourself will eventually lead you to be an expert in that field. But there is a growing trend of graduates remain undecided, addicted to the fresh and new, they become over exposed and as a result unable to dedicate to a single specialisation.
This I blame on the increasing complexity that we humans create for our society, which results in too many choices that creates a feeling of loss as you have no strong identifier (eg, bob the builder or steve the electrician), a result of being a novice at everything but a master of nothing. unable to 干一行就要爱一行 (love the industry you work in), as there are too many likable diciplines to master, so hence, they float.
This financial crisis has displaced many whom were comfortably settled in their specialisation, in 09, many face uncertainty and are desperately trying to land safely somewhere back into their comfort zone. Their dedication to their specialty is something to admire, but it is also fear driven, as this dedication can also be seen as stubborness that consumes ones flexibility, so hence, they sink.
Regardless of whether you're floating or sinking, you're still wet... of course everyones situation is unique, which requires a unique solution, but I wish to conclude with a simple solution that will guide you towards the direction of solid ground. I believe people should intensively communicate with old friends and collegues in diciplines not of your own, share your experiences and listen to theirs, gain a different angle of interperating this new climate, and move towards exploiting changing opportunities in this changing world. But one step at a time, those of you who have that sinking feeling, relax, take a deep breath... and float.