Many people, not only in science, first want obedience and predictability.
If you have any "extracurricular activity", you are categorized as a threat because it demonstrates both a) that you have a free spirit, and b) that you have the capability to achieve the same most people do in a given time, only in less time and with other thoughts on your mind - ie that you are a strong competitor.
Some people don't want competition from people more able than them - especially if they could also easily use their free spirit to see the obvious failings. Usually these are not the brightest bulbs around (and they know it, but you don't!)
In the government, public sector and large companies, they seem to be more concentrated.
The article poster learned this difference exists, but not how to spot it yet. He learned he can present himself differently based on the bias of his interlocutor.
I would like to suggest the alternative - do not pretend to be someone else, because you can then use that as a signalling strategy to filter out poor work environments.
I am a rather somewhat prolific open source developer. I sometimes feel that this fact keeps me from getting jobs. People talk about in this industry that you can send off 10 resumes and get 10 job offers very easily. For me, I send off 10 resume's and get maybe 1 job offer, despite my extensive and verifiable experience. I think you may be on to something.
If you have any "extracurricular activity", you are categorized as a threat because it demonstrates both a) that you have a free spirit, and b) that you have the capability to achieve the same most people do in a given time, only in less time and with other thoughts on your mind - ie that you are a strong competitor.
Some people don't want competition from people more able than them - especially if they could also easily use their free spirit to see the obvious failings. Usually these are not the brightest bulbs around (and they know it, but you don't!)
In the government, public sector and large companies, they seem to be more concentrated.
The article poster learned this difference exists, but not how to spot it yet. He learned he can present himself differently based on the bias of his interlocutor.
I would like to suggest the alternative - do not pretend to be someone else, because you can then use that as a signalling strategy to filter out poor work environments.