5 Reasons Why I Ultimately Gave Up on Applying for Corporate Jobs

As a polymath with a diverse skill set in behavioral science, software engineering, data science etc., I used to falsely believe that my unique combination of skills would be highly valued by corporations. I spent countless months - crafting the perfect resumes and cover letters, and applying to job after job, only to be met with rejection, radio silence or all out ghosting. After a while, I began to realize that the corporate job market is not always kind to those who don't fit neatly into a single box. Here are 5 reasons why I ultimately gave up on applying for corporate jobs:

1. Lack of recognition for diverse skill sets

Many corporations are still stuck in the mindset of deep specialization in one specific area, and are hesitant to hire those with a diverse range of skills. This means that polymaths like myself are almost always overlooked, or are likely pigeonholed into roles that don't fully utilize our diverse skill sets.

2. Inflexible job descriptions

Even when a job does seem like a good fit for my skills, the job description is often so prescriptive that it's difficult to see how my unique skills could be applied. This can be frustrating, as it's not always clear how my skills and abilities can fit into the company's existing mold, despite having a lot to offer.

3. Limited opportunities for growth

In many corporate environments, career advancement is often tied to specific job titles or departments. This can be limiting for polymaths, who may have a diverse range of interests and skills and may not want to be confined to a specific role or department.

4. Unconscious bias

Unconscious biases and expectations can make it difficult for polymaths with diverse skills and unique experiences to be recognized and valued in the corporate world. These biases can prevent qualified candidates from even being given the opportunity to interview, and can make it difficult for them to project confidence and break through the mold of what hiring managers are expecting. As a polymath with a unique combination of skills, I often feel like walking cognitive dissonance - I don't fit neatly into any one category and don't come off as "typical executive material".

5. Lack of creativity

In many corporate settings, there is a strong emphasis on following established processes and procedures. This can stifle creativity and innovation, which are crucial for a polymath to thrive.

Bonus: Limited Connections

In most companies, who you know is easily more important than what you know. Unfortunately, as someone who has lived abroad (Far East) for much of their adult life, I returned to the US (circa '17) with limited connections. Despite my education, diverse skill set and wealth of experience, it was extremely difficult to get a foot in the door without the help of an introduction or recommendation from someone within a company; which made the job search process even more challenging.

Conclusion

Ultimately, I realized that the corporate job market was not the right fit for me. As such, it's important to recognize when it's time to move on and explore other options. For me, that meant pursuing opportunities that allow for full utilization of a diverse set of skills to solve big problems at internet scale, while simultaneously empowering others to do so.

The inspiration for this article wasn’t to disparage those who have found success in corporate America. Instead, it was the realization that so many others experience the same challenges and I. Accordingly, the goal is to express that it’s healthier and totally possible to create the world we want to live in, as opposed to giving into the role of outcast.