Passionate Politics and Careers

For the sake of being nonpartisan,
I'll take one of each, please.

Tis the season to be political. And here in our nation's capital, things are heating up faster than you can say, "Don't Shed on Me."

(Did I say that right? I get all those political sayings confused....)

Members of both parties have managed to carpet every last inch of grass with election signs, some of which have practically swallowed yards whole. I recently heard that one area home was crushed under the weight of the owner's 230 pound political sign, but you know how people tend to exaggerate.

An SUV maybe...

In the name of good old fashioned political discourse, Washingtonians have been hurling convictions at one another Left and Right, making absolutely certain not to hear the alternative side of any issue. And unfortunately, or fortunately, depending on your attention span, many politically charged individuals dumb these invectives down to simple little sound bytes, "informing" the lowest common level of political discussion.

I'm just waiting for the day when people cease verbal exchange altogether and instead resort to some sort of bumper sticker war.  This would entail individuals assaulting one another with scornful three to four word bumper stickers and signs, each one addressing topics from hot dog reform to tax breaks for the Fat Cats that make them.  Tragic injuries would ensue, to be sure, from paper lacerations to adhesive afflictions.

As for me, I like to keep my political opinions to myself. I even have a zero- confrontation plan which will go something like this:

Random Person: "So who are you voting for in the election?"

Me: "What election?"

RP: "Uh... the presidential one."

Me: "Oh... yes... ummmm... I am going to have to check with my astrologist first. I'll be sure to let you know how my stars align. They've been soooooo out of whack lately."

RP:

Somehow it shuts down the conversation every time.

Although I abhor engaging in political debate, I must express my bafflement over one particular voting behavior becoming more and more prevalent: single issue voting.  Back in my undergrad days, I recall my political science professor harping on the atrocity of that practice. While I don't necessarily share his fervor, I can see how he might have a point.

I wonder how an individual can vote for a candidate or align with a party based on one single issue, one strongly held value when there are a million complexities and layers within each political platform.  What about the plethora of legislative topics to consider other than big divisive hot buttons of the day? Or the ones that make them hottest under the collar? Aren't single issue voters essentially discounting a host of considerations, diminishing the full spectrum of their democratic voting power?

I guess you know where I stand on that one.

The same thing happens when you reduce a complex decision like career design down to a single issue or value: you diminish all of the other components that make your potential career dynamic, sustainable and challenging. Moreover, making a career decision solely based on one strong personal value will most likely get you in trouble- potentially even jobless- down the road.

But before you get all fired up and come at me with a reproachful bumper sticker, hear me out. While strongly held values make up a very healthy, satisfying slice of the ideal career pie, thinking of careers only in terms of what subjects or causes or beliefs you are passionate about gets you only half way there. There are a host of other components to consider before shutting down the career decision-making process; components such as natural ability (can you do the work as well as your counterparts?), work settings and financial constraints. I plan to elaborate on the nuances of those issues in my next post.

Considering several elements in a decision doesn't diminish your inner zeal for something.  In fact, broadening your scope of thought to multiple possibilities makes your commitment even stronger- and wiser. By essentially stepping back and looking at the decision in a more holistic, objective and clear-minded way, you strengthen your confidence in your choice.  Your indignation evolves into an educated, passionate and effective force to be reckoned with.

I'm sure you'd agree that we could all stand to turn down the emotional volume a notch and turn up our objectivity a couple of notches. On my part, I shall refrain from getting wrapped up in all of the LATEST AND GREATEST, ON-THE-EDGE-OF-YOUR-SEAT ELECTION 2012 NEWS!!! coverage.  At least until tomorrow's presidential debate.

Instead, I shall go eat my cookies in peace.

(Both of them, mind you.)