"A couple of years ago, I was challenged with drafting a strategy for a major project. I spent two months performing intensive research, and the last month putting together the strategy and creating a road map for some control group tests. That was when I was informed we were putting a hold on the project until further notice. I was then challenged with scaling back the resources I tapped into and being ready to prepare to be assigned other priorities. Not knowing when or if we'd return to this important work, I hurriedly generated some reports so progress could be resumed with no rework at a later date, and flagged the resources for when they would need to be tapped into again. With our next assignment, I was able to use the same framework I'd implemented for the previous project and performed more effectively than I would have otherwise. The learning experience from the previous project proved invaluable. Then, months later, when we wrapped up ahead of schedule, I was able to resume the previous project, picking up right where I left off, applying what I'd learned from the other project, and performing better than I would if not for both experiences."

Knowing well the pressures and strains of the job, the NSA devotes considerable resources to help their workforce deal with their stress, such as their civilian fitness program which allows up to 3 hours of paid leave per week to engage in physical fitness activities at approved locations. They also offer flexible hours, generous vacation time, and support services for mental health such as their behavioral health and life services, their employee assistance program, 24/7 psychological crisis support, workplace psychological consultation for high-tempo and challenging workplace environments, and psychological education and training on topics such as stress, suicide awareness, and coping with uncertainty. These are but a few of the services they offer their workforce aimed at fostering a positive work-life balance.