Posted on Nov 18, 2021
SGT Senior Information Systems Specialist
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My re-enlistment window is coming up in March next year and I'm trying to figure out the best career path I can take for myself. I'm an IT Specialist with TS/SCI clearance, Network+, Security+ and Cloud+ certificates, no degree yet but some semester hours. There are multiple paths I could take if I decide to not re-enlist but there are also many gaining units my retention told me I could go for. I'm just stuck right now thinking of all the possibilities if I get out. I already have a few recruiters reaching out to me on job opportunities too.
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Responses: 14
Maj John Bell
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Edited 3 y ago
I think that is a VERY personal decision. I applaud your effort to reach out, to make a best decision. But how much value can come from advice from people who do not know you and your priorities. Decide what you want your life to look like short-term, mid-term and long term. Then ask yourself if what you are doing now helps you get there, stops you from getting there or is a safe resting place until you know how to get there.

I loved being a company grade officer. No amount of money would have made me leave. I hated being a field grade officer. No amount of money would have made me stay.

Near the end of my time I realized that my priority was my wife and kids, and that I was asking too much from them to allow me a Peter Pan military life. [Before I piss anyone off, I don't think what is true for me is true for all.] It took me almost 10 years after separation to put my life on the track it should have been.

I now work 7 days a week. Ten hours is a short day. I haven't had a day off in 23 years except when medically required. But I love what I do. I wake up everyday with my wife and go to sleep with her every night. My daughter and her kids see me almost every weekday and my grandkids love to work side by side with me in the barns and in my shop. My dogs are with me almost all day and life is ggod.
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CSM Chuck Stafford
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SGT (Join to see) It definitely a personal choice -- Are you having fun? Is what you are doing professionally and personally rewarding? Retirement checks are nice and my family's medical is less annually than most pay monthly... I will say your skillset and clearance are sought after here on the east coast -- easy 6 digit salary and you can build a family, career and lifestyle with that foundation -- I'm assuming you are a 20-something. That said, again, are you having fun? The people you work with, the places you go and the things you do --- you won't find that in too many places outside the military, and you will still have the clearance and skillset if and when you do hang your boots up. Best of luck with your decision - Airborne All the Way!
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CW3 Gary Marden
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You've received some great advice already. Looks like you have some time as well but you need to shop the market quickly to make sure if you jump ship that you have what you need to succeed. Use linkedin and go see the folks at the transitioning center. Every post has one now and they can help you with a resume to push out real quick as well as the profile set up with apps like linkedin.
While you're doing that, it's time to look at your life and goals. The military provides many opportunities for a great life but there is give and take....more take and a lot of give but if you are resilient and have a plan, you can maintain your life goals as well as meet the military's expectations.
Your personal situation now and what you're planning for family wise will play a huge part in the decision process too so only you can make that decision. Travel, being apart of something bigger than yourself, what you get out of your serving in the military is personal as well. I served from 89 to 92 my first enlistment, got out after the Gulf War because many of my mentors were getting early retirement incentives and I felt I could go to college and move forward. Then 9 years later 9/11 happened and one of my buddies left the tech world to become a firefighter and instead of carrying hoses up and down stairs, I reenlisted and fought to become a Blackhawk Pilot. Did a few more tours downrange and other places, had a great time, career and now retirement.
That said, you are the only one who can say what you need to do for your happiness. Service was good to me, I got out when I wanted to focus on my family that I was lucky enough to still have after all the time spent away from them.
If you've got a great job that gives you the opportunities to build a great life with good people then ...only you will know.
Cheers bro! Good luck. There are no wrong decisions here, just make sure that you make the best of every opportunity you are given in the military or out. The same issues with people, bosses, industry, policy, etc.. are in both environments so don't think that it's better under civilians vs commanders. You get the good ones and bad ones in both worlds.
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