I've made it a policy since I started this blog to not write about work. I've referenced it a few times, but never in detail. But, since I'm presently working for myself, I guess there's not much chance of being fired for anything I write, unless I really tick myself off.
Last Thursday night, I lost the first election I've been involved with in about 15 years. I forgot how much it hurts to pour your heart and soul into something you believe in and have it crumble in your hands during the time it takes someone to read two sets of numbers. It stings ... and it doesn't go away quickly.
Right out of school, I worked in print and broadcast journalism for about two years. Then, in the early 1990s, I moved over into marketing and communications, eventually spending 11 years as a senior-level marketing guy for a Chicago-based holding company. Two years ago, the holding company I worked for sold all but one of the companies it owned and I found myself facing (a) relocation or (b) looking for a new job. We didn't relocate.
Briefly, I took a job as business editor for our daily newspaper. I viewed this as more of a "networking move" than a "real job." The pay certainly wasn't "real pay." A few months ago, I left the newspaper and started doing marketing and media consulting, quickly landing some decent, well-paying clients. One of those clients was a political figure seeking re-election.
Although I was highly involved in politics back in the late 1980s and early 1990s, I haven't had my hand in that arena for more than a decade. Fortunately, the candidates whose campaigns I managed and worked on 15 years ago were in geographic areas where politicians from their party do very well - and I had an almost flawless record of winning campaigns. That was not the case last week ... not even close.
There are two positive things I've been able to identify about this most recent political experience:
First, I made some fantastic friends that I wouldn't have met had I not participated in this election. (Note: This candidate was not from the party I have been associated with my entire life.)
Second, my son who is planning on law school (and has been fascinated with politics since about the age of 8) got to participate - right down to the election night party at campaign headquarters. I got to watch my son see what it is like to work, sweat and worry for months over something and lose ... not just by a little, but really lose. And as much as I hate to lose, I gave him the speech after we got home about how you learn so much more from losing than you do from winning.
I really do believe that, but it doesn't mean I like it -- because it still stings days later.
Awesome post and we're all sick that he didn't win.
Anonymous - 9:03 AM - Aug. 11, 2008
You know I feel your pain!
You saved me the trouble of writing this in my own blog. I feel literally SICK to my stomach every time I think of it. He is such a nice guy -- a sincere guy -- a normal guy -- and a guy who really was in it for the right reasons. EXACTLY who you want your kid to have as a judge if ever he gets hauled in for any reason.
I was equally incredulous that the other 2 candidates I was seriously rooting for didn't make it. It just seemed wrong. All of a sudden, this wasn't the place I knew and loved anymore, it was a place where malice rules and where people think and speak in a completely different language than I do.
In short, I feel disenfranchised. A stranger in my own homeplace.
Your son and his friend, by the way, totally rock. I knew they'd love "putting it out there" for what they believe once they tried it. I hope they are hooked for life and that they never again have to experience such a deep disappointment on an election day.
I'm already working on 2010 now, but with one foot in the "I know I'm going to lose, but have to try it anyway" ditch.
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