Job satisfaction works wonders at work, life Published Feb. 3, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Heather Holcomb 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Editor's note: This is the fifth in a series of articles about personal wellness. Although work is a four letter word, it doesn't necessarily have to be profanity. Some people wake up, go to work and watch each minute sink away. But some people wake up, go to work and recognize the opportunity every day presents. Staff Sgt. Charmaine Flint, first term airman's center noncommissioned officer in charge, said, "To me, occupational wellness is properly managing stress at work, building and maintaining healthy work relationships, and feeling fulfilled and satisfied by the work I do on a daily basis." Senior Master Sgt. Steven Mullens, 81st Training Wing career assistance adviser, said, "It's also about finding that balance between your occupation's obligations, your leisure time activities and especially your family." The reality is that not everyone gets to do their dream job, but with the right attitude and enough effort, career fulfillment is easily within reach. Having a sense of pride and achievement in the work place is vital because it not only increases productivity and mission completion, it trickles out of the workplace by building self esteem and improving overall quality of life. Sergeant Mullens said, "I think you are able to accomplish so much more and maintain a positive attitude through stressful periods or tasks when you feel good about what you're doing." One way to maintain that sense of importance is to realize that every job in every career field is like a single pigment of color in a large photograph. "I think we all come to a point in our career, it could be that we are just having a bad day, that we say to ourselves, 'Why am I doing this, does it even matter?"' Sergeant Flint said, "That is when you need to take a deep breath, sit back, and look at the bigger picture. How is your job supporting the mission? How many people do you help every day? You are making a difference so you just need to regain your perspective to realize that." Hitting a career plateau can be a frustrating experience, but there are ways to get off that plateau and keep climbing forward. "I hit a plateau in my career as a medical laboratory technician a few years ago. I began looking for something else to do that I would enjoy. That is why I applied to become the FTAC NCO in charge here at Keesler," Sergeant Flint said, "For others that have hit a plateau, applying for a special duty is a great way to solve that problem. If a special duty that you are interested in isn't available, you can always ask to be moved to another section in your work center orask for an interesting additional duty. The great thing about the Air Force is that there are so many opportunities available to us." Sergeant Mullens suggests reading books or taking classes that can bring a new perspective to an old career. For those looking to change careers or are just entering the military or work force Sergeant Mullens said, "Think about what you enjoy, look for jobs that align with your interests and abilities, and then talk to someone or perhaps volunteer in the profession you're considering." Sergeant Flint stressed the importance of doing your best every day even if you don't particularly like what you are doing. "People will notice and new opportunities will present themselves to you," she said, "Giving 100 percent and keeping a good attitude will get you far in your career. I always like to tell my FTAC classes that what you do every day matters and making a good first impression is so important. Your supervisors and leadership want you to succeed and if you always do your best, they will make sure you do."