I am on our City's Council and I'm currently getting ready to run for Mayor in the upcoming election. I never dreamt or even considered serving in public office while I was pursuing my career as a research scientist. I simply didn't have the time nor the interest. I was focused on science and fish and travelled a lot. That was actually a benefit in that I saw a lot of beautiful country but also a curse because I was away from my wife, family and community so much.
That certainly isn't the case any more. I was thinking how one's profession influences a person's relationships not only with one's family, but also with their community. I have friends who are truck drivers that are on the road for extended periods of time. We've recently had several service men who were returning or getting deployed oversees for a year or more. Those are hardships! I'm just starting to realize how easy it is to get physical and mentally detached from our families and communities.
I wonder if that is happening to our younger generations through career demands and technology? Many would argue that technology has made us closer but I'm starting to question that. We recently had a 'tech' savey crew over that used our home for a video promotion section. I remember looking and seeing all 5 of them working on the smart phones; mentally isolated from each other. I couldn't help but smile and think about Captain Pecard quote: "I am BORG, part of the collective!"
As an Inn Keeper, I've switched professions and lifestyles. I'm not on the road, wading in a river or at a meeting anymore. I'm working at home with my wife. The transition took a while but what a pleasant change. There are certain things I miss about working outdoors but the opportunities I'm experiencing now I wouldn't trade for the world. I have more time with Linda, meeting such nice and interesting guests, and having time to get more involved in community issues. I now realize how I sherked those responsibilities for so many years.
Being a Council Member has been one of the most challenging and at times the most frustrating job of my life. As a scientist, I spent 30 years solving problems. I've learned that far easier than trying to get people to accept and move in the right direction, specially when it comes to financial problems. We all feel entitled in some way and I'm afraid that may lead to our society's decay if we let it. Local communities, States and our Federal Government is so far in debt!
Take the opportunity to get involved or at least educate yourself what is happening in our society. Take care.
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