3 reasons why Mr. Rogers is to blame for your crappy job, creepy puppet dreams

by Zach Knowling · 2009-06-16 23:11:00 UTC
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You know that crappy low-level job you have at the American Hair and Skin Association? The one where you have to do endless internet research, deal with volunteers and wear a tie?

 

For crying out loud! You are 22 years old! You went to college and got a degree. You should be the president of that non-profit now, right? And do you know why you think that?

 

Because Mr. Rogers told you that you were special.

 

Now don’t get me wrong. I mean, we are all special, I suppose, in our own ways. That isn’t really what I am drunkenly raving about today. My point is that a lot of us in politics, myself included (to a significantly higher degree than most) all suffer from entitlement issues because we were taught that we were so unique.

 

I think this hurts us in several ways:

 

1. It means that we are averse to earning our stripes and proving ourselves to others. We think we already are the best and that new job/promotion should be handed to us right off the bat.

 

2. We never really focus on the job we have – and do the best we can. We think it is beneath us. I remember grimacing when my first boss out of college called me her assistant in front of a client. Hellooo, I’m an “associate.” I think that attitude set me back a little with her and the company. If I had kicked ass as an assistant, I think I would have gotten more responsibility sooner.

 

3. We forget that life is full of competition because if we are the best, then no one can even come close to our awesomeness. That is totally wrong. There are countless people out there just as good and many who are better. Want a reality check? Go to DC after Election Day in an even year and try to get a job. The competition is fierce.

 

You see? It’s not that Mr. Rogers made you take that crappy job. He is the reason why you think your job is crappy and beneath you – even though it probably isn’t.

 

So anyways, if you are like me and feel that the world owes you a debt for being born – tone it down a little bit and focus on the present. But secretly continue to stroke your ego by regularly flexing in the mirror and flaming people anonymously on the Politico blogs. 

Zach Knowling
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