We would all like to think that we have the right to a private life. After all, we oftentimes go to great lengths to keep work and play separate by maintaining a public and a private face. But is it realistic to think that our private lives truly have no affect on our career? Are the two inextricably linked? Should they be?
If you ask Roman Polanski’s supporters, they might tell you that not only is his private life separate from his career, but his career accomplishments should forgive his criminal actions completely. Another school of thought says that there is no separating private from professional and everyone is responsible for keeping both of their houses in order at all times.
“From the individual packing the boxes to the CEO, everyone has a duty to behave in such a way that is respectful of one’s self and, therefore, to the entity that they represent,” said Derek Hunter, Sales Manager at Gilchrist & Soames. “We live in a very transparent world and no one—companies included—want to be guilty by association when an employee gets in trouble with the law or creates a public scene. This is more an issue of self-governing and self-discipline that, if ignored, can garner consequences from an employer. If one acts like an upright citizen, this is typically a non-issue.”
But should the professional position we hold play a role in how much our private life matters in the workplace? Some would also argue that there are professions that by definition carry more of a moral responsibility than others.
“Private lives do matter in any professional experience, but it depends on the career,” said Lisa Spahr of Spahr Consulting. “When someone is in a protected profession—like a teacher, a member of the clergy, a federal employee, or a police officer—the way they conduct themselves outside of work has an impact on their professional reputation. If they are behaving badly, it should raise a very serious red flag because these are people that we hold to such a sensitive level and we depend on them to care for us. I don’t think you should choose those professions if you cannot conduct yourself in a certain way.”
What do you think? When, if ever, should your professional life and your job be separated? Do some career paths require higher moral standards than others?
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Comments
Any one in any position of responsibility is or should be accountable for their actions at all times, if you do not want to be scrutinized, do not go for any of these positions that require that commitment. In my opinions they are Politicians, Diplomats, Public Service Sector, Judges, Barristers, lawyers, Company representatives, Priests and Ministers, Policeman and Woman, Teachers, Teachers Aids, Shop keepers, Council Representatives and Councilors, our sporting heroes does not matter what field of sport as it is amazing how much some kids regard these people as someone to look up to.
Remembering we nurture our young as that is our Future. kids at an early age are like a sponge, they take it all in. That is why it is so important to stamp out school bullying, with all our technology we cannot control about 1.1% of kids that if they are not stopped at school will do it for the rest of their lives and will take it from job to job.
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