HuffPo on Exhaustion

I have to admit I was just a little surprised to actually enjoy and agree with an article in the Huffington Post, particularly one written by founder Arianna Huffington -- that's probably because the HuffPo was so liberally biased regarding the recent election and it's liberal to begin with; and because of the less-than-flattering profile I read of Arianna in the New Yorker magazine -- but nevertheless, I did like Arianna's "Rendell, Napolitano, and Exaltation of Exhaustion" piece today.

For background info.: Ed Rendell (D-Penn.) took heat and later apologized for his comments about Janet Napolitano (D-Ariz.).
Arianna explained the fallacy underlying Ed Rendell's assessment that Janet Napolitano is a "perfect" choice as the Homeland Security Secretary because Napolitano doesn't have a life or family, and can work 20 hours a day.

"But I do think it is emblematic of a pervasive misperception in America: the idea that to be a success you have to drive yourself into the ground, and that making work the be-all and end-all of your life is a good thing...
"The prevailing culture tells us that nothing succeeds like excess, that working 80 hours a week is better than working 70, that being plugged in 24/7 is expected, and that sleeping less and multi-tasking more are an express elevator to the top."

Of course there are always tradeoffs when holding high-stress jobs. But as Arianna rightly points out, people are happier, physically healthier, and more productive when not chained to their desk day in and day out and when they have balance in their lives. She also notes that contrary to the perception Rendell created, Napolitano actually does have interests outside of work.

"To be Governor and to do your job well," said Rendell, "you can't have a life."

Arianna concludes: "I beg to differ. To be Governor and do your job well, you have to bring more balance to your life -- learn to unplug and recharge. Judgment and wisdom are more than ever what is needed in our leaders, and round-the-clock stress and exhaustion is conducive to neither."