My Career Plan C

Or why I’m grateful for closed doors.

I had a fascinating conversation with a friend this weekend.

Topic: does politics attract the emotionally unstable?

We talked about the recent crash outs (and worse) of current and former politicians. Is it that their breakdowns are simply more public than the average person, or are they more malignantly narcissistic and personally destructive than the general population?

Neither of us is a psychologist. I offered this topic up because I think there is a huge need for coaching, therapy and training for future politicians. Most people don’t actually know what the path forward will be like as a public figure; the intense scrutiny and pressure often blindside them.

I remember reflecting on my career and life in the aftermath of losing my race for the state legislature in Louisiana.

The thing that stuck with me was this thought: I don’t need to do this anymore.

After 15 years of being a student government geek, policy nerd, and political junkie, I realized that I’d consumed all I wanted from a career in politics at age 29.

I then set about to be an entrepreneur.

And that journey has provided everything - impact, freedom, wealth, self actualization - that I could have ever wanted in a career. I highly doubt my career would have been this enjoyable or impactful had I chosen a career in politics.

The only thing I don’t have vs a political career is fame.

And I’m completely fine with that.