‘The Bermuda Triangle of Talent’: 27-year-old Oxford grad turned down McKinsey and Morgan Stanley to find out why Gen Z’s smartest keep selling out

Core Insights - The book "The Bermuda Triangle of Talent" explores the phenomenon of elite graduates being funneled into prestigious but ultimately unfulfilling careers in finance and consulting, driven by social status and the illusion of choice [1][3][14] Group 1: Career Trends - Over the last fifty years, career paths for elite graduates have consolidated significantly, with half of Harvard graduates in 2022 entering finance, consulting, or Big Tech [3][4] - The financialization and deregulation of economies since the late 20th century have contributed to the growth of the finance and consulting industries, creating a perception of meritocracy [14][15] Group 2: Psychological and Social Factors - Graduates often feel compelled to pursue high-status jobs due to societal pressures, leading to a loss of potential and opportunity cost [5][6][7] - The initial attraction to high-paying jobs is often not salary-driven but rather influenced by social status and the illusion of infinite choices [6][17] Group 3: Economic Pressures - The cost of living in major cities has escalated, making it difficult for graduates to pursue careers outside of high-paying roles, as living comfortably in cities like New York requires an income of approximately $136,000 [15][16] - Many graduates find themselves trapped in high-paying jobs due to lifestyle inflation and increasing financial obligations, which complicates their ability to leave for more fulfilling work [10][11] Group 4: Solutions and Alternatives - Institutions can be designed to encourage risk-taking and innovation, as exemplified by Y Combinator, which has successfully fostered entrepreneurship by lowering the cost of risk [17][18] - Governments and organizations can adopt strategies to attract top talent away from traditional corporate roles, as seen in Singapore's approach to linking civil service pay to private-sector salaries [19][20]