Finn Breddam, a 46-year resident of Christiania, Copenhagen, reveals the challenges he has faced despite his high IQ of over 155. Breddam believes his unconventional background and the labor market’s inability to recognize unique talents have hindered his employment prospects.
Despite his intellectual capabilities, Breddam has struggled to find stable employment, leading to over 40 years on welfare. He attributes this to his “unconventional talents” not being valued by the labor market and his difficulty conforming to workplace norms.
Breddam’s challenges began in childhood, where he was labeled an “outsider” and bullied for being different. This experience has had a lasting impact, making it difficult for him to connect with others and secure employment.
Although high intelligence is generally considered advantageous, psychologist Dea Franck notes that extremely high IQs, around 160 or higher, can sometimes be a disadvantage. Breddam’s experience suggests the labor market struggles to accommodate individuals with exceptional intelligence and unconventional backgrounds.
While Breddam has pursued various interests, including cycling policy, he feels his life is characterized by difficulty getting through to decision-makers. His story highlights the challenges faced by individuals with unique talents who don’t fit traditional molds in the job market.