Nicole Tieman

Writer | Public Affairs

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Join me in the @nycmidnight 500-word Fiction Challenge on May 29th! Learn more at https://t.co/t6qzPYHyU6

[The Real Mike Rowe @mikeroweworks]

If you haven’t heard, and even if you have, Jimmy Kimmel said this about Markwayne Mullin, former Senator from Oklahoma, and our newest Secretary of Homeland Security:
“We have a plumber now protecting us from terrorism.”

Apparently, there has been some backlash. Plumbers were offended, obviously, as were parents of plumbers, spouses of plumbers, children of plumbers, and millions of people who have had a plumber show up when they needed one. Comedians were also offended, (the funny ones, anyway,) along with a surprising number of terrorists - especially those with access to hot and cold running water. However, in spite of the ensuing kerfuffle, @jimmykimmel doubled down.

“I’m not upset that the head of Homeland Security was a plumber,” he said, “I’m upset that he isn’t still a plumber." He further elucidated by adding, "I wouldn't put a plumber in charge of Homeland Security for the same reason I wouldn't call a five-star general to pull a rat out of my toilet, OK? We all have our areas of expertise.”

Being offended is always a choice, and I don’t choose to be offended by a joke, even one that comes at the expense of the skilled tradespeople my foundation tries to elevate. But I am a tad butt hurt by the suggestion that skilled workers should never evolve into something new, and that competence is somehow limited to one vocation. Obviously, expertise and skill are important. If I need a new kidney, I’d prefer a doctor do the surgery, not a late-night talk show host. But if the doctor in question used to host a talk show, why would I hold that against him?

Ten years ago, during one of the presidential debates, @MarcoRubio answered a workforce-related question by arguing that America needed to get shop class back into high schools. He concluded by saying, “What our country needs are more welders and fewer philosophers.” A lot of people on this page commented that Rubio and I were singing from the same hymnal, but in fact, we weren’t. At least not entirely. Because I don’t think the current shortage of welders has anything to do with an overabundance of philosophers. In fact, I think it’s a mistake to promote one vocation at the expense of the other. What we really need in this country, are more welders who can talk intelligently about Aristotle, and more philosophers who can run an even bead. More Generals, in other words, who can fix their own toilets, and more plumbers who can hold a powerful government job.

This is what Mullin did. He was a private citizen who mastered an essential skill and then turned that skill into a multi-million-dollar company that employed a lot of people and served a lot of customers. That gave him the freedom to do other things with his life, including a career in public service which got him into Congress, where he’s spent the last eleven years doing whatever Congressmen do. Now, he has a very consequential position in the Cabinet of the current administration.

Is that not the embodiment of the American Dream? I get that Jimmy Kimmel might have a problem with Mullin’s politics, but what possible objection could he have about the trajectory of his career, or his desire to do more than one thing with his life?

The only sensible thing to do in the wake of a moment this tone deaf, is remind America that the skills gap is wide, and getting wider. The shortage of skilled tradespeople is now headline news and closing it is nothing less than a matter of national security. This year, my foundation has set aside $10 million dollars to help train the next generation of plumbers, and lots of other essential workers. I'm talking about hundreds of thousands of AI-proof, six figure jobs that don't require a four-year degree, waiting to be filled. The money is currently available to anyone who wants to master a useful skill at https://t.co/uolhGspFtN. Apply today.

As for those of you genuinely offended by Kimmel's comments, consider expressing your disappointment with a modest donation to mikeroweWORKS. Our work ethic scholarship is making a real difference, and your money will be well spent, I promise. The donate button is big and red and hard to miss, at https://t.co/uolhGspFtN

I’d love to chat but I’ve gotta pull a rat out of my toilet…

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Help your new colleagues feel seen and they’ll be more productive.

https://t.co/LArVOYlFjZ

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Up for a tiny writing challenge? The 7th annual 100-word Microfiction Challenge by @nycmidnight kicks off on March 20th! Learn more at https://t.co/xvb4RvpYsV

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

We all procrastinate. Here are some ways to get back to productivity. (Hint: stop snacking!)

https://t.co/JUAwbD426t

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

An intern thanked me for making her cry during her evaluation. Curious why? Read my latest article and find out.

https://t.co/J7VLHUdpeQ

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

“Prepare. Read. Think. Confidence starts with you.”

https://t.co/tLEUdqxcUn

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Are you taking on too much at work? If you are, you should read this.

https://t.co/nakDQR6HyP

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

My latest Substack post is an interview with an amazing woman who started her career as a teacher but took a leap of faith to pursue her dream of being interior design.

https://t.co/o7R5VkVLqn

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Are you management material? A slightly sarcastic quiz to help you identify your place on the corporate ladder.

https://t.co/4NIhnBCsoy

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Up for a writing challenge? Join me in the 20th annual Short Story Challenge by @nycmidnight on January 23rd! Learn more at https://t.co/V3CdqlNsHF

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

I recently started writing on Substack. Currently, the content is focused on career topics but will likely expand. Follow along.

https://t.co/GZBKoGDy6A

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Up for a short writing challenge? Join me in the @nycmidnight 250-word Microfiction Challenge on December 5th! Learn more at https://t.co/ayT8YwCovO

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Up for a scary writing challenge? Join me in the @nycmidnight Scary Story Challenge on October 31st! Learn more at https://t.co/9z39Q1XfPL

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Join me in the @nycmidnight Rhyming Story Challenge on September 5th! Learn more at https://t.co/SIFcWs0CKe

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Join me in the @nycmidnight 500-word Fiction Challenge on August 15th! Learn more at https://t.co/t6qzPYHyU6

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Thomas is getting ready for the @PGATOUR

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Join me in the @nycmidnight Flash Fiction Challenge on May 30th! Learn more at https://t.co/AC2nHNzI7o

[Nicole Tieman @NicoleTieman]

Can you write a story in 100 words? Join me in the @nycmidnight 100-word Microfiction Challenge on March 21st! Learn more at https://t.co/xvb4RvpYsV

[Dan O'Donnell @DanODonnellShow]

Democrats are openly plotting to use this April's Wisconsin Supreme Court election to gerrymander two GOP Congressmen out of their seats and hand control of the House to Dems in 2026. My new column at @FDRLST explains exactly how: https://t.co/zjdA9tuaeI