Three little words: Overworked and underpaid

  • Published
  • By Linda Welz
  • 452 AMW public affairs
MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE, Calif. --  (This is part of a series of commentaries with the theme 'Three little words.')

Have you ever heard anyone say they are overworked and underpaid? Do you sometimes feel that way? I do, but then I always fall back on, "Thank God I have a job!"

In this day and age, many of us are feeling like we just don't have enough time or help to get everything done that we used to accomplish. It's true. Everything is being or has been downsized, jobs are being cut or scaled back, and the Armed Forces are faced with having to complete critical missions with fewer assets.

So, how do we cope with the hand we have been dealt?

I, for one, adhere to the Air Force Core Values by maintaining my integrity with each task assigned, putting my service to this great country before myself, and displaying excellence in everything I do. Well, I try my best at least. This helps me immensely when tackling the mountain of work in the office and at home.

INTEGRITY
In the public affairs arena, credibility is everything. If I publish a story that is not accurate in every detail, I run the risk of losing my credibility in telling the Air Force story. Integrity is the key to credibility. Without my integrity, I am, basically, not trusted.

As a wife and especially as a mother, if my integrity is questioned because I made the wrong choice or it was perceived that I was dishonest or irresponsible, my life becomes more difficult and those I love are negatively affected. Once again, trust is lost.

SERVICE BEFORE SELF
Service Before Self comes easily to me. I am the rule-follower. I think I learned this in high school, when my 'friends' convinced me to cut a class. I had never done it before and quickly learned my lesson when I was the only one to do so that day. I think they were playing a joke on me. It wasn't funny. I think, because of that, I won't even sneak into another movie, after watching one movie, without a new ticket. It's not for fear of getting caught. It's just wrong. To me it's like stealing.

I respect everyone as a human being, no matter the age, rank or social status, trying to put myself in their shoes to understand them better. I do my best to stay positive and see the good in every situation. Negative thinking breeds intolerance and depression. When I give respect, it is usually reciprocated, yes, even with the teenager.

EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO
Finally, it is my job to inform Team March members, our mission partners, and the community members who follows our story. It is my job to teach my children how to become good adults, able to care for themselves and others. In order to accomplish these things, there must be mutual respect. I need to make sure I have the entire story or the big picture before making decisions. I must handle the resources available to me in the best possible way. I must follow the guidance of my leaders and mirror that guidance to those who look up to me for the same.

So, do I feel I am overworked and underpaid? Yes, at work and at home, but the Air Force Core Values help keep me on the right path personally and professionally.

In spite of the madness, I love my life and I thank God I have a job!

(To read more about the Air Force Core Values, visit http://www.airforce.com/learn-about/our-values.)