As I currently am navigating the job market right now to find a full time role, this was a much needed read. Thank you, Hannah! Personally, I'd be taking action from this article to write a manifesto.
"For me, it’s been a journey in phases. I was obsessive about specific interests when I was younger - I knew exactly what I liked. Then I entered the business world and started exploring because I didn’t see anything that captivated me the same way. Now I’m slowly getting back to obsessive, but only after I’ve had enough time and opportunities to test assumptions and rule things out."
This struck a chord with me. I remember being captivated by specific interests as a younger person with absolutely no reluctance, yet I've had difficulty finding my niche in the business world.
I think this is because as younger people we are not choosing these interests from a place of fear. As we grow older, and the societal pressure grows to conform, the language and tone around this whole process (in my experience) is pretty fearful which leads to making a noncommittal decision that maximizes for optionality.
You're procrastinating making a real decision and living a provisional life until the day comes that you make up your mind, but that day often never comes and your decision is made for you by your circumstances.
I've seen this play out in my life and I wouldn't say it's led me down a terrible path, it's allowed me the opportunity to 'test assumptions and rule things out' as you phrase it, but I know I'd feel a little further along if I'd had a bit more direction and focus earlier in my career and doubled down on what perked me up.
All optionality maximizers need to internalize this - "Most decisions are reversible. We overestimate how permanent our choices are."
As I currently am navigating the job market right now to find a full time role, this was a much needed read. Thank you, Hannah! Personally, I'd be taking action from this article to write a manifesto.
"Bottom line - ask yourself: are you exploring or are you hedging?" That's a really great way to put it.
This article is so incredibly nuanced and honest. Love and admire your ability to articulate such a complex trait or emotion with such clarity!
"For me, it’s been a journey in phases. I was obsessive about specific interests when I was younger - I knew exactly what I liked. Then I entered the business world and started exploring because I didn’t see anything that captivated me the same way. Now I’m slowly getting back to obsessive, but only after I’ve had enough time and opportunities to test assumptions and rule things out."
This struck a chord with me. I remember being captivated by specific interests as a younger person with absolutely no reluctance, yet I've had difficulty finding my niche in the business world.
I think this is because as younger people we are not choosing these interests from a place of fear. As we grow older, and the societal pressure grows to conform, the language and tone around this whole process (in my experience) is pretty fearful which leads to making a noncommittal decision that maximizes for optionality.
You're procrastinating making a real decision and living a provisional life until the day comes that you make up your mind, but that day often never comes and your decision is made for you by your circumstances.
I've seen this play out in my life and I wouldn't say it's led me down a terrible path, it's allowed me the opportunity to 'test assumptions and rule things out' as you phrase it, but I know I'd feel a little further along if I'd had a bit more direction and focus earlier in my career and doubled down on what perked me up.
All optionality maximizers need to internalize this - "Most decisions are reversible. We overestimate how permanent our choices are."
Thanks for the great content, Hannah :)
As a self identified life long maximiser, this spoke to me so much!! Great analysis of the drivers. Thank you 🙏🏼
glad to hear this resonated, we’re minimising in 2026 🫣🫣