Back in 2013 when I got 'promoted' to a management position vs. an engineering job, it was because I tried to step up when we lost a pivotal member of the company who I worked with a good bit. He was an electrical engineer/controls guy from the Coast Guard and was the single hardest working person I ever have known. He and I worked projects when I was a mechanical engineer and we almost killed each other a few times - not through violence or incompetence, but because John would only quit working long after everybody else would stop and I would keep going no matter what until the job got done. I think our longest single shift doing real work (not just sitting and watching) was 56 hours straight - completely irresponsible for sure. We both called our significant others (him wife, me girlfriend at the time) to pick us us as we were so burnt out that driving would have been insane.
Anyway, when I was 'promoted' to the management position, I told the hiring manager to pass 100% of the resumes to me that had military service, as John was my example. I interviewed most and tended to hire people with military experience when the fit/goals matched. Nobody worked as hard as John, but they worked harder than most. I'm not sure if it was the training received during their service or the fact that it takes a strong person to join the service, but I can say that 100% of the time they were the hardest workers and most reliable people I've worked with. For fact, some didn't have the specific skillset for the job, but every one was an Alaskan Malamute ready to pull when given a task.
John is one of a few I've kept up with a few times a year since he left the company 10 years ago. A super solid human being and I am sure that either he or I will stand at the other's grave when the time comes. 110% all the time and that is a blessing and a curse. If I needed help now, he'd be here, but the reality is that 110% is only meant for moments, not a lifestyle is true. But it is great knowing you have someone like that to work with. If I learned earlier to stop for the day at a reasonable time, he would have too. That would have been healthier for us both.
Slight off topic (what?!?!?! on TRF!!!!!) but still somewhat on point I hope. The veterans I have known are hugely strong workers and 110% is their nominal or idle percentage and deserve pay that equates.
Sandy.