I have deep respect (or perhaps envy) for people who have dedicated their entire career to one thing.
Hubie Brown, the legendary NBA broadcaster, called his final game on February 9, 2025 at the age of 91. I remember watching games with Hubie as a commentator back in college, which was obviously a long time ago. Including his years as a player and coach, the man spent 70 years in one field, that is professional basketball.
My own father-in-law, a pastor, recently retired after serving the same church for nearly 40 years. Imagine the countless memories he and his congregation built together over those decades — the shared highs and lows.
Times have changed – few people stay with one company or organization for decades anymore. But while jobs can change, a career may not. You can remain in the same field for decades and enjoy the compounding effect.
Take Reid Hoffman: he has reinvented himself many times, from founder to VC to board member, but he has spent decades in the same business: the internet venture world.
Career changes can work well for some, but there’s enormous power in doing one thing, being in one career, over a lifetime.