The job will absolutely change a person. People become more cold and distant, people become less trusting of others (more skeptical and cynical), become hyper alert when in public (always looking at people’s hands and waists for weapons), and less willing to communicate issues because their partner “would not understand”.

That’s why many people hookup on the job. They already spend so much time together vs people at home and they have similar experiences to form close connections. Close working relationships are vital to the job because being able to work effectively together will save your life.

Way back when I started I began to be more distant and cold. I recognized that and took steps to correct it. The only thing that has persisted is being extra alert when going out, especially when the family is with me.