Gary Quehl and William Bergquist
I definitely sacrificed something over the last year-and-a-half, which is no one’s responsibility but my own. Emerging Sage Leader
The subject of civic engagement begs the question of whether the involvements of sage leaders come at high cost. And whether such sacrifices are off-set by the personal benefits they receive. It is in this domain that we correctly anticipated the greatest differences between emerging and senior sage leaders. Of the 50 senior sage leaders who were interviewed, 49 said there was virtually no sacrifice involved, that their civic work is enriching their lives. While the older leaders in most cases are now retired, or at least have fewer family constraints, the younger emerging leaders are typically in the midst of career demands and family obligations. So how do they not see civic engagement as yet another pull on their time, talent, and energy? How do they not see this voluntary work as a sacrifice?
The emerging sage leaders are evenly divided among those who believe that civic engagement definitely involves personal sacrifice, those who believe it does not, and some who hold mixed views. Emerging sages who believe their civic engagement has been at great personal sacrifice offer three principal reasons: time away from family, impact on health, and harm to domestic bliss:
I feel I sacrifice the time I have with my two young children. A day does not go by when I don’t feel guilty about the hours I spend at work and on civic activities. I involve my kids whenever there is an opportunity, and they are often the youngest participants at a community event. I also make great effort to be present when I am at home and to work after they go to bed. I am fortunate to have the support of a wonderful husband who is a stay-at-home dad. I am convinced I would not be able to do the job that I do without his support.
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