Kevin Simler

I’ve been on the straight and narrow making no unconventional decisions. The damn world though has taken some unconventional turns under my feet, making me look all weird. The path of least resistance for individuals looks abnormal when normalcy itself is taking the costly route

“making no unconventional decisions” go to sleep, venkat, you’re clearly drunk

I resigned from my job and moved cities without having a new job lined up. Spent two months of "funemployment" upskilling and interviewing before I found my current employer, which I love. Had enough savings to cover me for much longer. The risk paid off!

The inability to step off the job ladder/rat treadmill, even for short periods, is a major cause of unhappiness for a lot of people I think. Sometimes it’s because of material constraints (bills to pay), but a lot of time it’s just a psychic constraint.

No cussing (except once accidentally in 7th grade). Worked out well. No alcoholic drinks. Less sure about this one, probably affected my social life. My business card at my last job said Troublemaker. I color inside the lines, but unconventionally — harder than breaking rules!

Wow, I love this: coloring fastidiously inside the lines as a form of unconventional behavior. Q: How much of your habit of e.g. not cussing so you think is held in place by not wanting to “break the streak”?

Huh, didn’t realize how much we have in common. I also stepped away from a lot of responsibility in the corporate world to scratch some intellectual interests. Have you written up your thoughts on climate change somewhere? Would appreciate a pointer.