Veterans, what made you decide that it was time to go?

When the first line leaders started to look so young that I wondered if they could get into a R rated movie?  When the scales of serving and cost of family began to tip the wrong way, it was time to retire.  I could have, would have, stayed longer but it would not have been fair to my family.

As I worked my butt off to make my stripes, I had those "leaders" that were the "been there done that" type.  Some of them would tell you to go do something, but couldn't do it themselves (but you still do what you're told).  I told myself that I would never be like that.  After my knees went to crap, and had my surgery, the Doc said I would never Run, Ruck, or anything the like again.  I made the decision to finish my contract and go home; I couldn't see myself sitting on my a$$ and tell a soldier to go run a 13 minute 2 mile just because I used to.  As for regret, Yes I miss the Army everyday and kick myself for ETSing.  I would be at 16 years right now if I hadn't stepped out, but I am happy where I'm at.  I actually get paid what I'm worth and for the hours I put in.  

I bailed at the end of my first enlistment to get my undergrad degree.  After four years of college and four years of 'Corporate America', I was fed up with the BS, dishonesty, and lack of morals I found in the civilian world.  I came back on active duty a little over 16 years ago and I have never looked back.  If I can get the next assignment I am angling for, the Department of the Army is going to have to hunt me down and physically remove me from my uniform to get me to quit! :)