Job When I First Joined

Job

When I first joined the Navy I knew that the work would be physically and mentally demanding. I arrived somewhat prepared for the rigors of boot camp, after hearing stories from friends and relatives. I was also well aware of the stress of being away from my family. I could not lie and say that Navy life is easy. However, when I first joined I did not realize was how rewarding the work would be. Since I have been in the Navy, my whole outlook on life has expanded and improved. Each day I grow richer from experience and wisdom. I have met new friends and traveled around the world. I feel like a stronger person, and my circle of friends has improved tremendously. I love my job because it has bolstered my character, enriched my friendships, and opened my mind.

Military jobs help build character by encouraging discipline, integrity, and teamwork. At first, the Navy needs to enforce discipline strictly with rigorous rules and regulations. Young minds need to be trained away from their natural state of self-centeredness. As the years go by, though, I have become self-disciplined. We learn to internalize discipline because we understand how important it is to stay focused. Therefore, I cannot imagine work that is more psychologically rewarding than military work. The challenges we face force us to set aside our petty desires and mundane needs. Even the simplest acts like eating, sleeping, and wearing clothes are tightly controlled. The rigid schedule was tough to get used to at first, but now I believe that routine is part of a healthy lifestyle. I wake up early and work hard all day, performing my duties without any time to daydream. My character has also improved greatly because I have to report to commanding officers. I am accountable to my supervisors and also to my colleagues, most of whom I consider friends. My work in the Navy is based on teamwork, too. Teamwork requires good communications skills and the development of respect. Most people do not have such amazing opportunities to develop character; we in the Navy do.

The Navy has enriched my friendships, which is one of the reasons why I love my job. I knew that I would meet new people in the Navy, but had no idea how many of them would become life-long friends. The Navy puts us in close quarters with people from all walks of life and from around the country. Our work and living situations demand that we learn how to resolve conflicts quickly and develop compassion for people that are different from ourselves. We have different political views, different ethnic backgrounds, and different personalities. Instead of focusing on our differences, we pay attention to our common goals. My friendships have been enriched through the service we do as naval officers.

Another reason why I love my job is that the Navy encourages me to have and keep an open mind. Meeting people from around the country and from around the world forces me to examine my own prejudices, biases, and beliefs. Traveling and seeing how other people live also helps me to understand the rich diversity that comprises human life on the planet. Few jobs offer the wealth of opportunities to travel as much as military jobs, and travel engenders an open mind.