What Epictetus Would Do in a Layoff: The Rise of the Generalist in Clinical Research

Guru Nation, I filmed a video while waiting for Monica Cuitiva B.S, B.A ., CRC to join a podcast last week (we may collab on an article next week), and I couldn’t stop thinking about something that deserves more attention despite me harping on it for the past two decades: generalists and why this volatile economy makes their rise not only inevitable—but essential.

We’re in a time of new world orders and paradigm shifts. NIH job cuts are only the beginning. The FDA just announced a phase-out of animal testing requirements for biologics like monoclonal antibodies (mabs)—a decision that’s going to send more shockwaves through the already-struggling CROs. If you think layoffs are over, think again.

But as Epictetus once wrote:

“Don’t hope that events will turn out the way you want, welcome events in whichever way they happen: this is the path to peace.”

Translation? You can’t control the chaos. You can control how you respond. And that’s why generalists—those who adapt, diversify, and act—are built for these moments.

In clinical research, generalists are usually forged in the trenches of small sites. Unlike siloed corporate roles, small site coordinators often juggle patient recruitment, budgets, business development, operations—all at once. These are the four essential areas every research site needs:

1. Getting more studies
2. Negotiating better budgets/contracts
3. Recruiting and retaining patients
4. Streamlining operations (startup, QA, tech, workflows)

If you've worked in research—even on the sponsor, CRO, or vendor side—you likely have skills in at least one of these areas. That makes you valuable. That makes you employable. And if no one is hiring? Start your own thing. Offer your services as a consultant. You don’t need an LLC. You don’t need investors. You sure as hell don't need a business plan or coaching. You need initiative—and maybe a little bit of creativity.

🔥 Reframe Yourself: You’re Not “Between Jobs,” You’re on Campaign

When you lose your job, don’t go looking for another identity to rent.

Build one.

Being a generalist isn’t a fallback plan—it’s a post-specialization advantage. You’re a mobile unit now. You operate across domains—budgets, BD, recruitment, operations. You’re the Swiss Army knife sites need but don’t know how to ask for. Then you are that same thing for small sponsors.

You don’t get a job in this environment by pushing a thousand quick apply buttons—you deploy to solve a problem.

That shift—from employee to problem-solver, from worker to thought leader—is everything. Thought leaders aren’t just TED Talkers or panelists at SOS Save Our Sites . They’re people who see what’s broken and try to fix it. Even quietly. Even locally.

And yes, it’s harder. No one’s handing you tasks. You’ll have to build your own momentum. As Epictetus said:

“No great thing is created suddenly. There must be time. Give your best, and wait on fortune.”

Look at Elizabeth Tabor from the Clinical Research Referral Club. She didn’t wait for permission. She acted. Whether or not her business makes money (I don’t know, and it’s not the point), she has zero resume gap. She has a story. Something different. Something that stands out. Cycle repeats until a resume is no longer needed.

So whether you're laid off, underemployed, or just waking up to how fragile corporate comfort can be—this is the moment to move. Volunteer at sites. Offer freelance services. Start talking about what you know. Share insights. Build connections.

You don't have to control the economy, or pontificate on what a president will do next. Just control what you do next.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments. Like, share, and if you’re building something now, drop a link—I want to see it.