"The pursuit of knowledge shouldn't be dampened by silly things like getting a job."
Here's how I just read this: "The pursuit of what makes me look good shouldn't be dampened by silly things like serving people other than myself".
And than just to dampen that statement, you added "Haskell made me a better programmer", which clearly implies you got a job, serving the needs of others.
Would it be fair to say you are more concerned with looking good than serving others, based solely off what you said? Correct me if I'm wrong please.