Has there ever been a time where recognition of your hard work actually resulted in a new opportunity?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 17:22:35 -0400

Share your story.

Response by Cpl Sean Farquharson made Mar 21 at 2023 7:15 PM

Cpl Sean Farquharson — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 19:15:40 -0400

Not at all. Most of the time, my work was used to justify Meritorious masts and Navy Achievement Medals for other people. the common justification was that "I was a Lance corporal, and doing tasks was my job".

Response by MSgt Steve Sweeney made Mar 21 at 2023 8:39 PM

MSgt Steve Sweeney — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 20:39:04 -0400

Tons of times, if you consider more work a "new opportunity". It is called "punishment for superior performance".

When people know they can rely on you to get things done and get them done right, then they come to you with what they need to get done.

Response by Sgt Clarence Couch made Mar 21 at 2023 9:18 PM

Sgt Clarence Couch — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 21:18:27 -0400

Luck is the residue of hard work. I have always had that privilege. IN the USMC I had 4 meritorious masts and one meritorious promotion. Temp work always resulted in full time work. IN my Glazing career, I always worked on the current project, for the next project and was called upon, by name, by contractors, for upcoming projects. If any OT was available, I always got it.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Mar 22 at 2023 6:07 PM

MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P — Wed, 22 Mar 2023 18:07:20 -0400

No but I've been told plenty of times "I can't promote you or move you to a higher position because you are too valuable where you are" and the classic "We can't give you an award because you aren't high enough in rank".

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Mar 23 at 2023 5:38 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Thu, 23 Mar 2023 17:38:18 -0400

I made a DTS Smart Book which I gave to the army.

Response by Maj John Bell made May 22 at 2023 1:51 PM

Maj John Bell — Mon, 22 May 2023 13:51:30 -0400

I'm not sure how you are using the word "recognition." If you are speaking of awards and accolades, no. No one checks your fruit salad or "I love me" wall before they give you an opportunity. If you are speaking of overall reputation, yes.

More often than not it is a combination of reputation, preparation and timing, good or bad, that closes or opens doors.

Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 28 at 2023 8:40 PM

SFC Casey O'Mally — Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:40:40 -0500

Yes. Plenty of times my hard work created new opportunities.....
..... for my bosses who claimed it.

Response by LTC John Griscom made Nov 29 at 2023 10:32 AM

LTC John Griscom — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 10:32:31 -0500

Going from active to a civil service job based on my military service.