Life Consideration Series
I have come up with a plan for the next 5 years that makes sense to me.
Assumptions:
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I believe that engaging in research activities is crucial for my happiness.
- For instance, while I feel like my soul would die if I devoted 100% of my resources to ToC SaaS development, I probably wouldn’t feel the same if I dedicated 100% of my resources to research.
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Therefore, the minimum requirement is to have an environment where I can engage in research activities and be appreciated, as well as have supportive companions.
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Establishing this environment will help maintain peace of mind.
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However, I also want to explore “things other than research.”
- For example, I want to release an interesting product and reach a mass audience.
- I see this as being driven by my restlessness and various other desires.
- While not a minimum requirement for happiness, I believe that engaging in such activities will enrich my life.
Plan for the Next 5 Years:
- I will focus on advancing in academia and building a career in research, accumulating achievements and social capital.
- Additionally, I will allocate the remaining resources to “things other than research.”
- For instance, I consider that I have a fair amount of leeway in taking the entrance exams for graduate school.
- (If I can get 2-3 papers accepted at a Top Conference, it seems like it will mostly come down to compatibility)
- Therefore, I will divert the surplus resources to explore and enjoy “things other than research.”
- For example, I want to detach myself from the researcher persona temporarily and create products that could turn into viable businesses.
- I envision this detached persona living in the realm of Product Geeks.
- Activities with [Team Yasuno] also fall under this category.
- For example, I want to detach myself from the researcher persona temporarily and create products that could turn into viable businesses.
- For instance, I consider that I have a fair amount of leeway in taking the entrance exams for graduate school.
Previously, there was a conflict between the idea of “advancing in academia/building a career in research” and the desire to “explore various other things.”
- For example, the uncertainties surrounding paths driven by the desire to do various things like “joining a BigTech company with a high salary” or “starting a business” were causing anxiety.
- Moreover, my understanding of these options was quite superficial, leading to increased anxiety due to the lack of clarity.
By considering the former as the basic need and the latter as desires to be fulfilled on top of that, I have now come to terms with my current understanding.
- By firmly deciding that my focus is on an academic/research career, the vague anxieties about my path have been cleared.
I perceive this as being akin to a “Barbell Strategy” (blu3mo).
I currently believe that I have resolved all the “concerns” regarding my career path, so I will revisit this document if I start to have new worries.