I’ve covered this in bits and pieces amongst my political party last year when they wanted more young women involved. With my Dad being elected it seems I need to set out my reasons again.

1 – Timescale.

To be an mp, councillor, msp, etc and get elected you must be willing to commit 4-5 years to the office. Assuming you don’t then get re-elected.

I’m 21, I built a portion of my life overseas, and I want to travel a lot before I settle anywhere. Nowhere in my plan does it mention tying myself to one place for a long period of time.

2 – Variety.

I don’t doubt there are a great many things I would enjoy about such a role. I also don’t doubt that I’d find several aspects boring or monotonous.

I’ve barely started on my employment path, and through choice I have a degree in something totally different (that I enjoy). There isn’t a huge appeal for me, for this kind of work.

3 – Other People.

This is a twofold problem.

First, dealing with members of the public. I don’t dislike people in principle or theory; I do get irritated by a great many things the majority of people do regularly. No desire to bite my tongue half the day every day, nor do I wish to have people coming to me with their problems when they’ve made no attempt to fix it themselves.

Not a good mix folks.

Second, co-workers. Political people are a lot of fun and I like a lot of them. Personally.

However. I’m both young and female, and while I may be competent in any hypothetical role the rest of the people I would be working with are far older.

At best I’d be seen as the cherished baby of the group that no one really takes seriously very often.

At worst I’d be isolated, ignored, sidelined, and taken advantage of (even if well intentioned). The framework doesn’t fit my demographic and I don’t wish to be the first.

4 – Confrontation

I’m not very good at it and I don’t like it.

You get one of two responses from me in that setting if its about something that matters.

Tears then anger.

Anger then tears.

None of which helps the competent argument.

5 – I just plain don’t want to!

In fact, the more I’m pushed at a course of action the more likely I am to shy away from it. I’m just contrary that way.