Why Being Unstylish Can Be Fun…

We live in a world where trends dictate much of what we do and how we think. Everyone wants to be part of the latest craze, whether it’s the newest tech, style, or even job trends. But what if following the crowd isn’t always the best path? What if, sometimes, being unstylish can actually be more rewarding and fun? This idea hit home during a recent job interview, and it made me reflect on the true value of pursuing what genuinely interests us, rather than just what’s trendy.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the difference between following trends and having your own style, especially in the context of my passion for data science. This blog is about my reflections on this topic, using a recent job interview experience as an example. I don’t want to sound like a bozo, I love data science and am deeply passionate about it, but I believe that those who want to enter this field should focus on developing their own style rather than just following the latest trends. Let me explain…

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It’s Not in Style but It’s Fun

During the interview, while explaining the job profile, the interviewer told me this. I felt kind of sad for him because he assumed that it wouldn’t interest me. But he had good reasons too.

Enter the World of Optimization

The field of the job is called “optimization”, specifically related to machine learning optimization. Let me be honest, optimization is an entire field of its own, spanning from math and computer science to string theory and graph networks. But it’s not in trend because it happens entirely in the background. Developers don’t have to care much about performance beyond their code. So nobody looks inside. And that’s what he wanted to explain before diving into the interview.

The Interview Shift

I agreed (doing optimization for money, kidding me?). With a little feedback from him, I kind of solved all the optimization questions. He was now in the “bro” zone, not the interviewer zone. He explained the job in detail and why they do what they do.

In the end, he said, “You won’t be able to discuss this with your friends at a dinner table, but I’m sure you will find this interesting.” I said I’d think about it.

Trends vs. Styles

The word “style” is incorrect; a better word is “trend”. A trend is something that is currently popular, while style is something you express through your clothes or otherwise. But this can go much deeper than that…

The Dinner Table Conundrum

“You won’t be able to talk about it at the dinner table,” he said. It’s sad but true. When I was at the dinner table with physicists, they talked about math, theorems, and, well, other typical topics, when I sit with most data scientists, the conversation often revolves around coding, random software libraries, or the results of some model. These are the people who follow their own style and don’t just chase trends.

Data Science is becoming a Trend

But these days, I feel like data science has become a trendy field. Many people jump in because they think it’s a quick way to make money (which isn’t always true, by the way). They often miss out on the deeper, more complex beauty of the field. I’ve seen people who know a lot on the surface but understand very little in depth.

This field is supposed to be for those who are genuinely interested. It takes a lot more than just programming and implementation. It’s a mix of math research and applied sciences. Unfortunately, the promise of big money and the easy use of pre-built tools (APIs) can attract young developers who aren’t really interested in understanding the math and fundamental knowledge underneath.Heck I have written a separate blog to explain what’s Data Science if not just another ChatGPT like app here:

What’s AI, if not just another Software/App?

The Reality Check

Don’t get me wrong. There are many talented coders and knowledgeable data scientists out there, and I’m lucky to know a few of them. But for those who jump into this field just because it’s trendy, it can be tough. They might have surface-level knowledge that a statistics major or physicist could easily get from ChatGPT.

While simple coding might become less important, real programming skills will always be valuable. Good coders might be replaced, but good programmers will never have to worry about their jobs. You don’t need to learn all the math, but understanding why math matters in coding, especially in data science, is crucial.

The Hidden Truths

Most of the work in machine learning isn’t about the flashy neural networks you see in headlines. I was surprised myself when I first learned that a lot of it is about optimization—making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. This less glamorous but essential work is what really makes things tick, even if it doesn’t get the spotlight.

Mob Mentality and Individualism

This brings us to mob mentality. Following the crowd often means focusing on the obvious and missing the important details (think of big topics like religion, education, and even marriage). If what you love isn’t popular at your dinner table, maybe it’s time to find a new dinner table instead of changing your interests.

Be an Individualist!

Being an individualist has its own power. Don’t just follow trends; find your own style. Embrace what makes you curious and passionate, even if it’s not the latest craze. Trends might seem easy to follow, but pursuing what genuinely interests you brings real fulfilment and fun. So, dive into what you love, even if it’s not trendy. In the end, it’s your passion and understanding that truly matter…

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There you have it… Whether it’s optimisation or any other “unstylish” interest, remember that it’s the passion and understanding that truly matter. So, let’s not be afraid to dive into the complexities and appreciate the beauty of what lies beneath the surface. Follow your own path, even if it’s not the trendiest one. Because at the end of the day, it’s the fun and the fulfilment that count.

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I know this might have sounded a bit like a rant, and maybe even a little pretentious (and it was haha). That wasn’t my intention. This was my blog, and you chose to read it. I was just sharing my thoughts on something that mattered to me. I appreciated your respectful disagreement. I have a lot of respect for this field and the passionate people in it. I am still learning, just a bit emotional about it. This blog actually started from a deep conversation with my fashion designer friend who explained the difference between style and fashion. So, thanks to her too!