Ask HN: When you have too many interests | Hacker News Reader

Ask HN: When you have too many interests

Hi, I'm a uni student doing software engineering but I find myself having too many interests. Aside from tech: history, biology, economics, literature etc that often don't really relate. I love devouring books upon books and going to museums, often finding myself spending a whole day there. But I find seeing my peers who are beginning to specialise and I still don't want to lose the freedom to explore. There's just not enough time and so much to learn. My biggest fear is becoming a generalist or too shallow how should I keep the curious part of me but better leverage this strength?

Thank you

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As someone who has lived as you describe for 50+ years, it might be wise to embrace it. "Generalists" often benefit from seeing the similarities between systems, sets, and sciences, leading to insights that specialists can miss. This is how I've been leveraged in places where specialists with deep knowledge have failed (MBAs, lawyers, etc.) It doesn't mean I'm always the best tool, but when there is a project that's really stuck, sometimes I get to be the hero.

You might also relax a little one day and ponder what the core interests have in common. For example, I found I had a few different threads in my studies. Building of any kind - metal, wood, programming, world. So when I drew comics, it wasn't the art of line and form as much as it was the idea of creating a world for my characters to live in. And my science interests turned out to be a spiritual search for truth. Conversely, my religious studies were a way to connect to the early wisdom (pseudo science) and how it shaped modern society and culture.

Even if it isn't some net profit benefit, I'd probably still advise to make the most of it, lean in, and be your ever-lovin' self.

oh wow, thank you for such a hard won wisdom :) I'll continue following my curiosities ha

It's hard because academia reward over specialization. Just get a degree in whatever and then you can pivot later if you want. Keep exploring, but grab that piece of paper that is no magic but opens a few doors.

My main hobby is collecting hobbies.

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