To Work or Not to Work for the Government

Yes, I was faced with that question these past these days.

I was offered and told that I came with a high recommendation to be the chief-of-staff of our congressman.

First, I was surprised. Second, I was flattered. Wow, how many ordinary people are given this offer? It's good on my ego, which is right now battered by chicken pox. I should be jumping for joy. But I am not.

Perhaps, if I were in a different country where working for the government meant good privileges and a relatively peaceful life, I'd grab the offer. Sadly, I am in a country where working for the government would mean you'd be willing to be criticized, be always on the spotlight, and may even be accused of graft and corruption.

Who isn't corrupt or prone to graft?

Everytime we try to ask a favor in exchange for something, no matter how subtly, that is already an ingredient of a corrupted bun. Everytime we try to get ahead on the merits of what we've done for this person or this position, that is graft.

Definitely, the position will open possibilities for me that I cannot imagine right now. But am I ready?

That is the question.