I could not agree more with the author of this Op Ed. As he points out, many people have taken the concept of “bring your whole self to work” too far.
I entered the workforce in 1989. Expectations were different then.
Like everyone, I dressed in formal business attire— I wore a suit and tie to work every day.
I understood that I was there to work on behalf of my company and my career, not advocate for or express my personal passions and beliefs.
I was my professional self at work and my personal self at home.
A lot has changed in 35 years and many of those changes are for the better like increased diversity in gender, race and nationality and I certainly prefer casual dress.
But I agree with the author that some changes are not helpful… this section of the Op Ed resonates with me:
“Computer science is an inherently collaborative enterprise. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with Iranians and Israelis, Russians and Ukrainians, believers and atheists, gay and straight folk, Republicans and Democrats. Working in the field, you learn the benefit of collaborating with people of varying backgrounds and how to put aside disagreements to focus on the task at hand.”
