We Should All Be Generalists

At Toast, we believe we should all be Generalists. Versatile, not in the overwhelming, “do-everything-at-once” way, but in a practical, structured way that keeps the team strong no matter what. Everyone here has a core skill, but they also know how to do a little bit of everything. That way, if one person is unavailable, the whole system doesn’t fall apart.
 
Think of it like a football team. A defender should primarily defend, but in a tough game, they should also know how to pass, dribble, and maybe even score. The same applies here, your main skill is your superpower, but having additional skills makes you an even stronger player.

How This Works in Practice

Being a generalist doesn’t mean juggling five jobs at once. It means being able to handle bite-sized tasks across different areas. For example:
  • copywriter might tweak web copy while also brainstorming with the strategy team.
  • designer might work on a branding project but also write a social media caption.
  • strategist might build a campaign plan but also review a pitch deck.
  • web developer might focus on coding but also handle design a T-shirt on canva.
Each task is manageable, and no one is left drowning in work. And because we respect work-life balance, our day starts at 9 AM and ends at 5 PM, no burnout, no endless nights.

How You Grow as a Generalist

Being a generalist doesn’t mean there’s no growth, far from it. Growth is a core part of our culture, and we recognize and reward it. The generalist path is structured, ensuring that everyone has clear goals and room to advance.

Here’s how you rise through the system:

  • Intern – You’re here to learn. We’ll teach you what to do.
  • Junior – You’ll do the work under supervision.
  • Senior – You’ll do it extremely well, no supervision needed.
  • Leader – You’ll guide the team and ensure everything runs smoothly.

At every stage, you gain more responsibility, independence, and influence. As a junior, you’ll learn the ropes. As a senior, you’ll own your projects. As a leader, you’ll mentor others and shape the direction of the team.

Growth doesn’t stop there. Generalists at Toast have the opportunity to specialize over time if they want to dive deeper into a specific area, take on leadership roles, or even branch into entirely new skill sets. We encourage continuous learning and provide the support you need, whether that’s training, mentorship, or new challenges that push you forward.

Why It Matters

This structure makes us adaptable. It helps us move fast, stay creative, and make sure nothing is ever dependent on just one person. More importantly, it creates a healthy, collaborative work culture where no one feels stuck in a single box.

Want to work at Toast?

The awesome folks at Toast Creative Studios would love to meet you! 

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