Posted on Jun 23, 2024
How do you find the work life balance and drive to finish strong?
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I have had a pretty good career. I was able to lose 100lb to make my dream of serving a reality. I have served with some great people in great units and done some fun stuff. I had to mentor myself alot but I got alot of good input from folks on this page I was also fortunate to serve and n a mobilization where I was really able to make a difference So overall a win. About a year ago I decided to take a knee to deal with some family issues and some burnout. I didn't want to leave because serving has become part of my identity and I'm not sure how to function without it The only two things I would like to accomplish are a deployment and command. And both of these are very doable. Taking a knee wasn't the break I thought it would be so I am looking at units to go back to. But the reasons for taking a step back are still there. I am still dedicated to serving but demotivation has been creeping in. Even the admin stuff is becoming more tedious. To those that have been here, how did you find that balance in life and manage to keep your motivation? I will keep hammering regardless, but any suggestions on how to make it more enjoyable again would be appreciated
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Career Advice
Career Advice
Posted 3 mo ago
Responses: 3
Here are my two cents:
The motivating factor that helps me balance and finish strong is the desire to lift up those that are incoming, to make the military life/process better for them compared to what I had. In other words, I see my Soldiers as my children, and I want my children to succeed and surpass me in every way possible.
I am constantly pushed to the limits by the cogs of stupidity within the military machine, and every time I want to call it quits, I don't because I can't see myself abandoning my Troops.
There is nothing that pleases me more than seeing that "A-HA" moment come across the faces of my Soldiers when they finally understand something that has been eluding them and then seeing them use that new knowledge to kick ass and move forward.
This is what works for me.
The motivating factor that helps me balance and finish strong is the desire to lift up those that are incoming, to make the military life/process better for them compared to what I had. In other words, I see my Soldiers as my children, and I want my children to succeed and surpass me in every way possible.
I am constantly pushed to the limits by the cogs of stupidity within the military machine, and every time I want to call it quits, I don't because I can't see myself abandoning my Troops.
There is nothing that pleases me more than seeing that "A-HA" moment come across the faces of my Soldiers when they finally understand something that has been eluding them and then seeing them use that new knowledge to kick ass and move forward.
This is what works for me.
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CPT (Join to see) I served four years and afterwards I attended college and worked full time as an operator at a chemical plant. These were years with long hours and no time for anything else. Upon obtaining my degree, I spent 33 years at a career that I loved, and again, long hours were my norm. I did not do a good job of finding a balance between work and life, but it was my dream job. At the eight-year mark, I was tired of the long hours and the stress and did think about a career change. A vacation helped reset my energy level. Taking actual vacations helped keep me motivated and excited about my chosen career.
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I’ve been there too, feeling burned out and needing a break. Taking time off was hard, but it helped me realize how important it is to recharge.
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