List of Things I Enjoy(ed) About Working in the Air Force:
Sense of Purpose: Being part of something bigger than myself, contributing to national security and the well-being of others.
Camaraderie: Developing strong bonds with teammates who become like family. The shared experiences, challenges, and victories create lifelong friendships.
Leadership Opportunities: Having the chance to lead others, helping them grow in their careers, and being a mentor.
Diverse Experiences: The variety of roles, missions, and locations that keep the work dynamic and interesting.
Training and Development: The continuous opportunities for professional growth, whether it's through technical skills or leadership training.
Discipline and Structure: The clear hierarchy and well-defined roles, which provide a sense of order and purpose.
Service to Others: Knowing that the work I do directly impacts the safety and security of others, both at home and abroad.
Travel: Opportunities to visit different parts of the world, whether for work or temporary duty assignments.
Problem-Solving Challenges: The intellectual stimulation of overcoming obstacles and achieving success under pressure.
Job Security and Benefits: The stability of a government job with health insurance, retirement benefits, and a steady paycheck.
When reflecting on the last 15 years of work with the Air Force, I feel very grateful. In the time I’ve been employed there has been several government furloughs, and even a global pandemic that caused many to lose their jobs, I have always felt very job secure and confident that if need be, my skills would translate to other “civilian” jobs. The Air Force has paid for me to go back to college and trained me in Aerospace maintenance and Network Administration (with CompTIA Security+), courses and certificates that are difficult to achieve with a financial barrier- which has been elevated for me by the Air Force. I will forever be grateful for the ability my career has given me to travel, see and experience new cultures that I would have never been able to otherwise and for the motivation to keep up with my health (mental and physical).
However, the #1 reason I keep reenlisting and get excited to come to work every day is my co-workers. These relationships have shaped my career in ways I didn’t expect, providing me with mentorship, support and lasting friendships. There’s something to be said for the bonds you create while traveling together, working hands-on, training, working out/doing fitness tests and mutual homesickness. When one of my boss’s dads passed away, we all left work early to support him at the wake. That same boss came over to help me fix my leaking toilet after work one night when my dad was out of town and YouTube wasn’t cutting it. Our shop once spent a Saturday doing yard work for one of our coworkers while he was deployed to alleviate stress on his wife. Airport trips, late night pick-ups, last minute babysitters- all types of favors no matter how big or small, I know these guys will be there for me, no matter what. I realize how rare it is to have co-workers that are like family, and I am so grateful for that.
Below is a text exchange with a coworker (friend) I met when I first joined in 2010, this is after having a really rough day at work previously.
Hi Samantha,
I love this post. The fact that you are serving your country and loving it is terrific. You expressed what you learned and what you continue to learn so well. We all need to have a workspace that we would feel comfortable in. As the saying goes, If you love your job, you are not working. The fact that you posted that conversation with your friend shows what a great military family you have. Thank you for your service. -Jen S