The Political Leanings of Careers: Conservatives vs. Liberals

In the United States, political leanings can often be observed in the type of career choices people make. This article explores the differences in career preferences between conservatives and liberals, drawing on data, observations, and personal experiences within the finance sector. It also explores why these trends exist and how they vary based on location.

Understanding Political Leaning Through Careers

On the whole, conservatives tend to dominate certain careers, while liberals tend to be more prevalent in others. These trends are not always black and white, and can vary significantly based on factors such as location and the specific details of the job. For instance, careers where individuals have to work for a living tend to attract more conservatives, while jobs where people produce little value, such as jobs in government, are more likely to be filled by liberals.

Conservative Predominant Careers

Pilots Policemen Farmers Engineers Military

These jobs often require a strong sense of responsibility and commitment, key values that align with conservative beliefs. Additionally, the nature of these professions often limits the amount of time and resources individuals have to engage in thought-provoking or politically charged activities, making them less likely to entertain radical political ideologies.

Liberals Predominant Careers

Media Teaching College Professors Welfare Recipients Criminals Actors

In contrast, careers where the primary focus is on helping others or producing little value are more likely to attract liberals. These jobs often provide ample time and resources to engage in social issues and political activism, aligning them with liberal ideals. It's important to note, however, that these trends simply reflect gross generalizations and do not always hold true for every individual within these professions.

Personal Insights from Wall Street

Writing from the perspective of someone in the finance world, it's evident that conservative or libertarian viewpoints tend to dominate. Since attending business school, this has been the norm, and even in a large firm of 900 employees, I can only identify a small handful of individuals with leftist thoughts. The majority of these individuals work in administrative or HR roles rather than in revenue-generating positions like brokers or analysts.

The majority of attendees at industry conferences, where cocktails are on the docket, tend to espouse libertarian or Austrian school economic viewpoints. Despite the political leanings in certain careers, Wall Street itself is generally apolitical when it comes to social issues or trends. The focus is primarily on profit, so the impact of politics on the markets and the economy is of utmost importance.

Factors Influencing Career Choices

While political leanings play a role in career choices, the location of the company often matters more than the specific career. Rural industries, such as mining and farming, tend to be more conservative, while metro area industries like aerospace and automotive, are more liberal. These trends should not be taken as absolute, as people from all walks of life have the same basic desires for living.

It's crucial to label yourself less and do more. Get vaccinated and take care of those you love, as this is more important than ruminating on politics for extended periods of time.