I focus on gathering experience as a center to my career path. My theory is the more things I have dealt with and worked through, the more capable I will be in the future. The game of life sometimes feels like a series of prerequisites. Before you can do B, you must complete A. To be qualified to perform D, you must prove you did C.
The more experience you complete, the more experience you will gain in the future. Much like interest on a savings account, it grows exponentially over time. Getting a bunch in early helps later.
I’m a believer in the 10,000-hour rule (even though it’s been moved to controversial status as an actual rule by recent studies). This rule states that to be an expert in something, you need to accumulate 10,000 hours of practice within the area. For big, broad areas this is not too difficult. The average person spends ~2,200 or more a year on their job. Given 4 years or so, they should be well established in what they do. Get into more specific items and you start to need more and more time.
What’s the point of this post? To encourage everyone to chase experience. Many jobs either give you experience or a high salary. Early on, feel free to trade the second to get the first. But make sure you do it consciously and actively pursue more experience. If the experience doesn’t come along, it’s time to move on.