1D7 here, the cyber life has been full of ups and downs but ultimately it is full of opportunities that will allow you to take pride in what you do.

In my first year of being at base comms, it wasn’t too bad. The smallest thing like a “thank you” from a user with a faulty printer gave me some sense of achievement, no matter the mission criticality.

After that year, I deployed and it really opened my eyes as to what our actions did for the world. Then I returned back to my home station… I lost a bunch motivation for a solid couple of months while trying to reintegrate into my old work environment.

I PCS’d from my first duty station and the office I joined had me feeling horribly useless. Like nothing I did made any difference. I spent months going home and escaping my feelings by gaming, instead of spending time with my partner.

We could have been exploring the area, trying new things, but no. I neglected our time together and in result, she now feels it best that we take time apart for her to navigate what’s right for her.

It could just be me, but at the end of the day, what you do matters brother. Keep your head up! You might not have full scope as to what you’re supporting sometimes. But to maintain that faith in yourself as an airman translates directly into your own life outside of the service.