I relate to this feeling, but I think it’s problematic. This same idea is very prevalent in tech hiring: tell me about a side project, show me your github, show me a portfolio, etc. But this necessarily excludes people who don’t have free time, or at least not enough of it to warrant wanting to spend more time working, even if it’s working for fun. People with dependents, second jobs, other responsibilities. In other words, its a strong selector for middle class men.

I don’t think you’re wrong about curiosity being important for knowledge workers. But I’m of the opinion that if a company truly values this, they will make opportunities available during work hours to foster and indulge it.