JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Recently, while on leave, I limited myself to checking my e-mail only three times a day. I considered that to be pretty good and was quite pleased with my self-control ... until my wife reminded me I was on leave and the squadron and Air Force would survive without me (see previous commentary on leaving home).
We hear how important the work-life balance is. As leaders, we remind our Airmen to ensure they properly balance their work and home lives ... that they take leave and get some downtime. But how often do we actually stop to see what our own personal balance is?
I've heard many times that we need to take care of our families, because once we finish our time in the service, the Air Force won't be there for us but our families still will. That's very true. It's just as true that we recruit individuals and retain families.
That's why balance is so important. Not so we can meet our retention goals, but so those we do retain actually enjoy their work and have the support of their families. Without those components, will our Airmen ... will you ... be able to perform to the best of your abilities?
That's why we earn 30 days of leave each year. Not too many companies start you off with that many days of vacation - paid vacation at that - from day one. We encourage our Airmen to take leave and offer all sorts of cool benefits, such as Space-A travel, special military hotels around the world and more. Yet how many people do you know who are carrying 60 to 90 days of leave at any one time?
It's important to recharge your batteries. Our line of work can be grueling ... long hours and deployments are facts of life. People need time away, time to relax. You can accomplish this a bit with hobbies - some people workout, some people read, some people game - but those days of leave are there so can do just that; leave.
Remember to keep the balance. Find out what works for you. Ensure your Airmen are taking care of themselves and just as important, ensure you take care of yourself. Your family, your Airmen and you, will thank you for it.