Needing and Knowing

My  job used to be  part of the odd world of Need to Know.

I don't talk about what I do much, because it's really not that exciting. I work for the government, and in the government, there's always some function of Need to Know. I always wonder if what I say today is going to affect me tomorrow.  And if the fact that the federal government has my fingerprints on file, as part of  my mediocre mid-level job, is ever going to come back to haunt me.  

If you've ever been through the security clearance process, it's a surreal thing. They want to know everything about you, and your parents, and your family. They want to know if we've been to a foreign country, and oh-my-goodness if you say yes: How long were you there? What did you talk to anyone? Did you make any friends? 

It's a little bit nerve-racking, even though I know I have nothing to hide.

I always wonder how much I don't know about people around me.  I know I have friends and neighbors that do something for the government, but they are Need to Know kind of jobs. The terrible kind, that they they love like a child, but also alienates them from their children. 

And I've always been so glad that's not my world, and could never be.
Because honestly, I really don't Need to Know. 

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This post was inspired by mystery thriller novel The Expats by Chris Pavone. Kate Moore sheds happily sheds her old life become a stay at home mom when her husband takes a job in Europe. As she attempts to reinvent herself, she ends up chasing her evasive husband's secrets. Join From Left to Write on January 22 as we discuss The Expats As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.