PO2 Private RallyPoint Member 440489 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Contrary to popular belief, we are not Joe in the military. Some people joined to obtain a degree and some to just survive. I don&#39;t enjoy spending my little time that I have off at work putting in extra hours to impress the higher ups in hopes of obtaining host markings during evaluation. I just want to surf, skate, hike, travel and explore. Unfortunately, the military is what sponsors my income for my activities so I have to at least try to make a good name for myself. The question is how do I do that with the least amount of effort, time,and work possible? how do you balance military life with everything else? 2015-01-28T09:12:42-05:00 PO2 Private RallyPoint Member 440489 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Contrary to popular belief, we are not Joe in the military. Some people joined to obtain a degree and some to just survive. I don&#39;t enjoy spending my little time that I have off at work putting in extra hours to impress the higher ups in hopes of obtaining host markings during evaluation. I just want to surf, skate, hike, travel and explore. Unfortunately, the military is what sponsors my income for my activities so I have to at least try to make a good name for myself. The question is how do I do that with the least amount of effort, time,and work possible? how do you balance military life with everything else? 2015-01-28T09:12:42-05:00 2015-01-28T09:12:42-05:00 MSgt Michael Durkee 440565 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>&quot;Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.&quot;<br /><br /> - Abraham Lincoln<br /><br />That may seem like just another quote, but preparation is most certainly the key. You&#39;re aware of the perceptions for those putting in extra hours, it would appear they are &quot;doing more&quot;. It&#39;s very possible that they&#39;re the ones who aren&#39;t applying themselves appropriately to their work and tasks at hand.<br />When you manage your time effectively throughout your normal duty hours, there is a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day and you have your home life to enjoy. Response by MSgt Michael Durkee made Jan 28 at 2015 10:14 AM 2015-01-28T10:14:58-05:00 2015-01-28T10:14:58-05:00 2015-01-28T09:12:42-05:00