The higher your position in the macro dominance hierarchy (the higher your station in society)

the more scrutiny you will be subjected to. 

If you are a low paid janitor, what is the probability people will dig into your political opinions, and get you fired for expressing an unpopular political opinion? 

Zero 

If you are a highly paid C-suite Executive or Financier, what is the probability people will dig into your political opinions, and get you fired for expressing an unpopular opinion? 

Significant 

See Larry Summers (Harvard President) 

and Brendan Eich (Firefox CEO)

"Has society shifted to a point where you cannot separate personal life and work life." 

Yes 

Yes it has.