I am hearing from politicians around the country. Yes, I literally got a call from the White House yesterday. Think about it for a minute. What if you put all your efforts into working for a politician who is suddenly no longer a contender? What is your next career move supposed to be? As the presidential field shrinks more and more people are having to ask themselves that question. It seems to be somewhat like an athlete who realizes they are no longer a contender. What do you do after you have been in the limelight and now are a “has-been?”
Even those currently in the White House know the clock is ticking. If John McCain is elected he will bring along those to whom favors are owed. Those presently in positions will be put out to find new opportunities. January 20th is looming.
What does someone who has put heart and soul into getting an individual elected do when that fades from reality? Transitions to new organizations appear easy for truck drivers, IT professionals, graphic designers, teachers, accountants or CEOs. But former politicians tend to experience dramatic drops in their careers. Anyone remember John Kerry or Walter Mondale?
My advice – be prepared at any given time to describe your strongest transferable “areas of competence.” Know what contributions you can make to organizations beyond your current “industry.”
Tags: hillary, kerry, mondale, politician
Dan Miller's Blog 
June 6, 2008 at 11:34 pm
“What does someone who has put heart and soul into getting an individual elected do when that fades from reality?”
I can see them getting a “makeover” in preparation for appearances on all the cable news channels. They will position themselves as “experts” on some particular subject relating to politics or their particular party, and begin the leveraging for their upcoming tell- all expose.
June 7, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Dan,
If you were lucky enough (or unlucky) to work closely with Hillary, you might be able to get a book deal from it. You know, “Inside the Iron Maiden”, or another title that might sell books off the shelf, “Driven: a Women and her Dream”. If you could crank it out fast enough, I think a few million could line your pocket. What do you think?
Dan, I love your podcasts. You are an inspiration to me. I have a couple of ideas I’m putting into play that I would like to roll off your back sometime. -Thanks Rick
June 18, 2008 at 4:05 pm
A lot of our politicians, has been or not end up on the speaking circuit or as non executive directors for banks, economic think tanks and the like.
I think with a lot of people thinking of their careers as portfolio careers now those who are positive about their next move are probably on the books of headhunters or actively seeking employment (roll out the networking cards) as we speak.
June 21, 2008 at 3:10 pm
If, as the past several years show, you can use your inside connections, and become a well paid lobbyist. Or as Mr Tarpley writes, write an insiders book, like ‘why I am not a sexist’. It would sell to a lot of party leaders.