GOLDEN HANDCUFFS

"Golden Handcuffs" is an expression that implies a forced obligation to do something in life even if you hate it just because you have great abilities in that subject. It is Golden in that the skill has great value to society, for example. Handcuffs imply that you do it against your will. A beautiful woman who wants to be a veterinarian is forced into modeling by society because of her physical gift. It even applies to things you used to do and enjoy but no longer have interest in. The "world" expects you to be their resource because you are good at it, even if you want to take a completely different direction. We see that when bright people flirt with running for office. Donald Trump or Mike Huckabee, for example. Somehow, regardless of personal expense, they owe it to their country to run for president because they "would be so good." Trump likes to develop real estate and Huckabee wants to be on TV. If they continue doing what they love, and do not do what they could be great at in the eyes of the electorate, they are disparaged. If someone has a long career in politics, or anything else, and they quit "to spend more time with their family" they must have a selfish agenda. Maybe they are getting out before they get indicted.