Description:

In his book Wherever You Go, There You Are, professor and author Jon Kabat-Zinn wrote, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” Careers in operational government meteorology and hydrology consist of endless waves: ridges and troughs exemplifying the opportunities and challenges associated with the roles from both personal and professional perspectives.

Operational government meteorologists and hydrologists are uniquely positioned to provide crucial information to decision makers during impactful weather events and critical incidents, transforming their scientific passions and expertise into efforts that protect lives and property. However, weather and water hazards never stop. Work by operational government meteorologists and hydrologists is completed all hours of the day, each day of the year. This includes work on night shifts, which disrupts our circadian rhythms and is associated with deleterious health effects. The same hazards for which meteorologists and hydrologists are providing forecasts impact the communities in which they and their families and friends live. Meanwhile, the nature of operational government job progressions may require early, mid, and late career meteorologists and hydrologists to move far from home to achieve their desired roles. Unabated, the accumulated mental, emotional, and physical toll of these intertwined professional and personal factors can lead to burnout.

In this session, we seek to shed light on the waves yet learn how to surf. Here, we hope to acknowledge the difficulties associated with careers in operational government meteorology and hydrology while sharing strategies for overcoming them. Particular topics of interest include life/work balance, critical incident stress management, shift work strategies, and maintenance of health and well-being. Ideas for talks, posters, and panel discussions associated with any of these topics (and beyond) are welcomed and encouraged.