Quote Originally Posted by Eden View Post
Yeah, the days were long and no days off, and every now and then somebody tried to kill me. But high optempo?

I'm pretty sure I spent more time engaged in actual work behind a desk at Fort Knox then I did in Afghanistan.
I'm not sure how to square your insights with your question.

Long days + no days off + less time with family < shorter days + days off + more time with family?

I guess the work behind the desk sucks a lot more. But I'm thinking that being able to take frequent showers, getting to eat real food, having a somewhat more normal sleep schedule, actually getting some days off, and having more predictable hours has got to more than offset the added mental strain.