“Make a Prioritised ‘Life List’ of All the Things You Desire from Life: Independent of any Single Job or Career”

In our interview with Dave Hayes, he shares his journey from behavioural neuroscience to a senior researcher and behavioural scientist in Canada’s federal government. Initially on the academic track, Dave realised at the tenure-track offer stage that traditional limitations would not align with his goals and values. He now applies his expertise to improving Canadians’ financial well-being through surveys, experiments, and programs to enhance financial literacy. Dave values the direct positive impact and freedom to develop large-scale projects. He continues leveraging his critical thinking, communication, and philosophical skills from academia. Dave encourages listing life priorities and potential career matches and Dave advises taking chances that open new beneficial experiences, not just the next logical step.