120 days to retirement... PTDY and terminal leave... What do i do when i realize I'm actually done?

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:41:36 -0400

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Jun 8 at 2015 3:45 PM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:45:09 -0400

Spend some time with the ones you love, I am looking forward to the time I can date my bride again (we've been married over 25years!)

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 3:46 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:46:10 -0400

Kick back, sit on the porch, early in the morning, with a cup of joe, and ponder all of the good times you had over the past however many years you put in. Then realize, that you have made an impression on so many Joe's over that purview, that your legacy will live on. So will those after you, and that you know that there are 1% of dedicated, highly motivated servicemembers still taking on the good fight that you helped lay the foundation for.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 3:48 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:48:47 -0400

SFC Private RallyPoint Member are you leaving by choice? Celebrate all that you have achieved and start networking with great leaders within organizations, and find someone to champion you through the process. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and ask questions! Please send me a private message and I will see what I can do to assist you as well! I wish you nothing but the best as you make this Awesome transition into phase 2 of your life!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jun 8 at 2015 3:55 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:55:19 -0400

I had 90 days of terminal. I went to base education 2x a week and took EVERY CLEP/DSST Exam I could. Great way to kill time, and knock out some degree completion stuff if you don't already have one.

It didn't really hit that I was done until I stopped getting haircuts every week, or shaving every day.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jun 8 at 2015 3:56 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 15:56:28 -0400

Have gratitude you had a long and prosperous career in a military with a long and proud tradition. You will cross the finish line and you will gain your freedom to ply another course. Congratulations!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 4:11 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 16:11:46 -0400

This is a new phase which can be fulfilling if you let it. I was not without my struggles but I am still learning. Learn and see the world in new ways and with additional perspective. Embrace this time to have a new sense of clarity and purpose. Instead of focusing on health and exercise as part of your employment, you can enjoy those same things with renewed sense of well being and enjoyment. You will face physical and emotional challenges. Going from a structured life to having more free time is not easy, but you will have time to enjoy the things you may have missed along the way.

Remember, roadblocks in the road are not obstacles, but merely stepping stones into a new direction. Find your path....

Response by PO3 David Fries made Jun 8 at 2015 7:11 PM

PO3 David Fries — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 19:11:33 -0400

Anything but what I did during my terminal leave.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Jun 8 at 2015 9:29 PM

PO1 John Miller — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:29:55 -0400

Crack open a beer and fire up a doobie (if you're so inclined) and think "Wow, I'm really done."

I did the above minus the joint part. I still utilize my security clearance in my post-Navy career so no marijuana for me even though I could get a prescription for it if I wanted.

But seriously, just enjoy yourself. You already said start dating your bride again. Start knocking out that honey do list. Take walks around your neighborhood. Take your wife/family on that dream vacation.

One thing I did a few times after I first retired/while I was on terminal was: absolutely nothing. I would sit on my ass, watch TV, and do nothing. (A little Office Space reference there)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 8 at 2015 9:35 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 08 Jun 2015 21:35:59 -0400

Enjoy life....I have 80 days left and can't wait for the day I can actually relax and not worry about anyone but my self....selfish, yes!!

Response by SSG Clyde Rainey made Jun 19 at 2015 3:34 PM

SSG Clyde Rainey — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 15:34:29 -0400

When you don't have to get up early to go to work. Or go to the range anymore.