Posted on May 29, 2014
Stay 20 years in the military vs. Going back to civilian life?
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Right now I am young, and have so many opportunities. I want to do something good with my life, something fulfilling where I can help fulfill others too. So my problem is, do I choose the obvious path to success (Stay in 20 years in military) or pursue a less stable route by getting out of the military (Going back to civilian life) and actually trying to find the right, fulfilling career for me? I’m just curious to see what others’ takes are on this.
Transition
Civilian
Military Advisor
Financial Advisor
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 28
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My last day is THIS Friday. Start PTDY on Sunday then terminal leave on 1 Sep. Retiring after 23 years of service. Excited but very nervous too.
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SFC Mark Merino
If I had a nickel for every veteran I sat next to at the VFW that wished they had stayed in............
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With the cutbacks it's going to be hard to stay 20 years. This is because they have lowered theservice limitations. That is going to reduce the total force fast no matter how good you are at your job or how fast you get promoted. Getting promoted fast is probably your best Ave to stay in 20 years otherwise you'll belet go by service limitations. The total reduction in overall forces sucks for everyone! My final thoughts, if you can stay in stay in otherwise make sure you have 100% idea of a job that you are sure will cover your expenses as a civilian. Invest as much money as you can as well as save now while you're young because it will add up quick overtime! A good rule of thumbis to save at a minimum 10 percent of your pay in something other than government bonds. Find something that is high interest bearing like a CD or hire a broker to invest in stocks. Get as much of your education out of the way before you leave the military especially Any certificate that will support your professional job that you wish to obtain!
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SFC Robin Gates
PO3 Jae Young Jeon, Here on the outside is no picnic, worse now probably since when you went in. SSGT Matthew Benack gave strong advice there. Either way, get a game plan together, with a contingency. Look at changing careers 3 or 4 times over your life time.
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CPT Jacob Swartout
Stay in while you can. Take advantage of the benefits of being in the military until you either retire or are forced out.
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PO1 (Join to see)
PO1 (Join to see) Here's my .02. You're going to get out - sooner or later. You can't change that fact. However, as the folks above SGT Alfred Cox CPT Jacob Swartout SFC Robin Gates and SSgt Matthew Benack all suggested: make the most out of everything the military offered. Firstly, take care of your health. I'm not suggesting you become a medic commando - but make sure every single thing that hurts is documented in your medical records - EV. ER. Y. THING. oh and did I mention EVERYTHING?
Secondly, those certifications that you're eligible for (as in civilian certs)? Get them. GET THEM. Did I mention GET THEM?
Thirdly: SAVE your money. Stop spending money on thing you think you HAVE to have - Bravo Sierra - you don't need the latest phone or makeup or jeans or blouse or hat or shoes or belts or anything that doesn't put food on your table, a roof over your head or clothes on your back. WHAT? You're already getting that paid for by the Navy - well shoot - you really don't NEED anything. Everything else is a WANT.
An old salt told me this: If you don't have $50,000 saved by the end of your first enlistment (6 years in those days) you're doing it wrong. Hell, I was only making $318.00 a month then.....$50k was a fantasy...but I did it! Now, if I can do it back then...surely someone with your paygrade can.
Fourthly - plan. Sit down, write it down. A plan, not committed to paper is only a dream. Set goals, timelines, expectations - work the plan.
Any questions?
Secondly, those certifications that you're eligible for (as in civilian certs)? Get them. GET THEM. Did I mention GET THEM?
Thirdly: SAVE your money. Stop spending money on thing you think you HAVE to have - Bravo Sierra - you don't need the latest phone or makeup or jeans or blouse or hat or shoes or belts or anything that doesn't put food on your table, a roof over your head or clothes on your back. WHAT? You're already getting that paid for by the Navy - well shoot - you really don't NEED anything. Everything else is a WANT.
An old salt told me this: If you don't have $50,000 saved by the end of your first enlistment (6 years in those days) you're doing it wrong. Hell, I was only making $318.00 a month then.....$50k was a fantasy...but I did it! Now, if I can do it back then...surely someone with your paygrade can.
Fourthly - plan. Sit down, write it down. A plan, not committed to paper is only a dream. Set goals, timelines, expectations - work the plan.
Any questions?
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Suspended Profile
PO3 Jeon,
It really depends on what interests you, your personality, what capabilities you have, and your level of persistence and commitment.
I would be happy to discuss offline.
Warmest Regards, Sandy
It really depends on what interests you, your personality, what capabilities you have, and your level of persistence and commitment.
I would be happy to discuss offline.
Warmest Regards, Sandy
PO1 (Join to see)
Having done a bit of quiet research.... PO1 (Join to see) IMHO you would do well to take up 1LT Sandy Annala on her offer. Just saying......
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