How can I gain motivation to finish out the last remaining years of my military career?

2016-01-03T19:12:35-05:00

After 15 years of military service I'm slowly losing motivation of being in the military. I've never quit in the past and I don't intend to do start now. However, I could use some motivation to finish out the last 5 years.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 3 at 2016 7:15 PM

2016-01-03T19:15:44-05:00

Take a knee and figure out why you feel this way. Stress will do this to you. You need to finish strong. Finish strong! No early burning out!

Response by SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL made Jan 3 at 2016 7:16 PM

2016-01-03T19:16:22-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member just get a couple of good assignments and its always good to pursue as much education as possible. Have an positive attitude and stay committed to the NCO Creed.

Response by SN Greg Wright made Jan 3 at 2016 7:23 PM

2016-01-03T19:23:34-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member A life-time paycheck isn't motivation enough? Most rational people would say that it is, when facing only 5 more years after doing 15. So my thought is that you might be depressed, or something is going on in your life that's making you listless towards your career. My advice is to step back, and identify that factor, then work on it. Get help if you need to. Leaving now, you will regret it forever.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 7:32 PM

2016-01-03T19:32:20-05:00

Sounds simple, but sit down and do the old good and bad points on a page, see where you come up with the most at. I know we put up with a lot of crap but you are so close that the check at the end is going to make it worth it. Also figure out what your retirement check will be and times that by how long you plan to live, that will let you know what you are walking away from.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 7:33 PM

2016-01-03T19:33:04-05:00

Surely there is an assignment or position you aspired to when you were a young troop. Maybe being a drill instructor or NCOA SGL. I know for me, I wanted a company - and when I got one I wanted to lead it downrange. Having done both, now I feel I can retire without regret.

Response by MAJ Bryan Zeski made Jan 3 at 2016 7:48 PM

2016-01-03T19:48:47-05:00

I feel your pain. I'm at 15.5 and sometimes have that "ride it out" feeling creep in to my thoughts. But, I also know that I have a job to do. Then I remember it's never really been about the job - it's about the mission and the people. We are at the point of our careers where it's almost irrelevant what we get on our Evaluation Reports. I'm 90% sure I'll retire as an O-4. It's just how the cards played out. That frees me from having to worry so much about being in the Top Block of the next OER and gives me latitude to accomplish the missions that need accomplishing without having to worry that it won't give me a Top Block OER. Sometimes the ERs distract us from what is really important in what we do. We train and mentor Soldiers. We develop the next generation of leaders to think outside the box and to prioritize the needs of their people over temporary taskings.

So, what do you do now to finish strong? Find the problems in the military that have plagued you and have become you pet peeves and do what you can to reduce or eliminate them - first in your work space and then branch out. Find your motivation in the accomplishment of those goals.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 8:06 PM

2016-01-03T20:06:57-05:00

You are 3/4 of the way there brother. Just a few more, you can retire at 20 and call it good. You've come to far to stop now! Hooah!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 8:38 PM

2016-01-03T20:38:24-05:00

Three things, the most important of which Major Zeski articulated very well. Figure out how you can make a difference, figure out how you can make the Army or even just the unit in which you serve a better place and begin working toward those goals. Second, a permanent source of income is nothing to sneeze at... it may not be a lot, however it's enough to give you the freedom to pursue career options that don't necessarily pay all that well. Last is health care, it's a big deal in today world to always have health care... even when you find yourself between jobs. Tricare is good insurance (great compared to what many of your coworkers will be paying over $500 a month to get for their families). Those last two things will mean a degree of freedom your colleagues who didn't retire from the military will never enjoy.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 8:57 PM

2016-01-03T20:57:25-05:00

Picture yourself at say age 75. Health no longer good. Needing a $1000 or more of meds to stay able to function. You go to the pharmacy and get those meds for $0. Don't even have to cash your retirement check.

It is a good life as a retired member. Well worth the time.

Finally remember, if there is a job out there where you don't have times when you feel down and unmotivated, other people will do it for 1/2 your salary.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 9:12 PM

2016-01-03T21:12:40-05:00

A very interesting question you bring up through the DB; thank you for sharing. Although each person motivation and desires vary and it is very hard to tell you about motivation in closing out your career. I am in your same situation and often wonder the same thing, "what if" -- what if I get out now and live the American dream and climb that ladder of success in corporate America. or what if I stay in and deal with these "new" junior soldiers and new Army. The retirement check is nothing, but it is something like SSG Mark C. stated and will help you stay on your feet. What really matters to me I think is the health care coverage long term after Military life. It is really hard to tell you what to do, no telling if you have BS degree, MS degree, security clearance, MOS?, training, awards, military credentials, all of which could be enough NOW, at 15 years, to leave the military and live that 6-figure life in the civilian world. I respectfully would tell you to look in the mirror and ask yourself what makes you happy and dig deep in your heart to reach your goals. Talk to these civilians that are retired military, even early retirement (they have those) and discuss there path and transition out. There is more to life then the uniform AND you (and I) will realize that sooner then later. Good luck in your personal and professional future endeavors!

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Jan 3 at 2016 9:35 PM

2016-01-03T21:35:00-05:00

Money is always a Good Incentive in my book that guaranteed income no matter how small is worth it. Bragging Rights. Those that Serve are a Minority , those that make a Career out of it are a Much Smaller Minority. The wisdom you can impart to the Next Generation of Soldiers. You've "Been there and Done That". Keep Chugging Staff!

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Jan 3 at 2016 9:41 PM

2016-01-03T21:41:24-05:00

Don't do it for the money. We don't make that much. It's good, but there are lots of opportunities, if you are motivated.

Don't do it for the retirement. It's a percentage of Base Pay, and although it's a paycheck for life, it's a "small" paycheck for life. Let's not kid ourselves. The issue is you are running into "overly coercive" issue because of the vesting process for our retirement scheme.

Do it because you WANT to be there. Do it because you WANT to make a difference. Do it for the same reasons you joined in the first place.

I don't want to be the debby downer here, but YOU'VE invested 15 years in the military, and in theory the Army has also invested 15 years in you (which they have compensated you for). There's a lot of knowledge that you can push back onto the younger generation in the next 5 years. It's REALLY hard to get into their hands once you're out.

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Jan 3 at 2016 10:40 PM

2016-01-03T22:40:37-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member, you are 3/4 of the way to retirement; if you quit now you throw away your time investment and only get travel pay home. If you stay in five more years you will have a paycheck and BX privileges for the next 30-40 years until you die; the travel pay home will be gone in a week.
Do the math. Don’t let your feelings trash your future.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2016 10:52 PM

2016-01-03T22:52:57-05:00

In any career, there are ebbs and flows - high points, and low points. Take some time, to think about your career, and what you can change to make it more interesting and challenging. Make your remaining years, the best years of your career. Also, research what you will do after the military, and have a plan in place for that stage of your life.

Response by SCPO Charles Thomas "Tom" Canterbury made Jan 3 at 2016 11:09 PM

2016-01-03T23:09:52-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member - I mean this in the kindest way and am not trying to belittle you or anything, but you're going to have to find a singular point of focus (other than that 20 year mark) and keep your mind focused on that. Pour your energies into the development of your eventual replacements (your subordinates) and don't focus on the retirement just yet.

They have a term for that. The ROAD Program. "Retired On Active Duty." If you go ROAD, you'll only hurt your troops and bring embarrassment upon yourself. Don't do that to your people. Don't do that to your family (YES! It affects them too when they see you miserable!) If you have children, finish strong so they can see what WORK ETHIC is in a time where it is almost inexistent here in the U.S. It's not how a man (or woman) performs when everything is going their way - it's how they perform when they are not their best, feeling down, tired of the rat race, etc.

Have you finished your education? Better start now. There was nothing more sobering than seeing a friend at his 17 year mark without any education wondering what he was going to do when he retired. I was lucky. I started early enough and completed a dual Masters Degree program about 7 months before my retirement. It was hard work though - and I had an infant at home and had a wife who was going through postpartum depression. My evenings and weekends and nights rotated between my infant son, my wife, and my studies. But it paid off. It was hard watching all of my friends having fun while I was writing APA Formatted papers and doing masters-level work and research (and changing diapers) - but it is paying off.

In short, focus on the people you lead and the goals you have for retirement without dominating your thoughts on retirement. It is easier said than done - but that's where intestinal fortitude and your core values come into play. Integrity is what you do if you knew no one would ever find out - don't let that slip because once your integrity is shot you have nothing else to show for it. Keep the faith - be encouraged, and finish strong. You've come so far in 15 years, 5 years will pass in a flash. Trust me on that one.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 2:44 AM

2016-01-04T02:44:59-05:00

I would say start thinking about what you want to do afterwards and figire out how your last 5 years in the military can help prepare you for that. Go to schools, pick up additional duties. Just as an example, there is a victim advocate position open in my county. The Army will send you to school and let you get years of experience doing that before you get out. Then you have a competitive resume.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 4 at 2016 6:20 AM

2016-01-04T06:20:25-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member When I struggle with this question (and, like MAJ Bryan Zeski I'm at 15.5 years, promotion rates to LTC have plummeted, etc), I tend to think about what life after the military might look like. Planning for the future seems to help. I ask msyelf what the best case looks like, and plan for that. In your case, as an E6, you're golden for 20 (unless you get involuntarily separated and retired). If you don't think you'll get promoted, well, that gives you the freedom to do your job well without having to worry about what your rater or senior rater might think. I'm starting to think that this perspective provides some freedom and allows me to focus more on the mission.

Good to see a fellow 2-16 veteran on here!

Response by PO2 Mark Saffell made Jan 4 at 2016 8:20 AM

2016-01-04T08:20:36-05:00

Id have to say its like running the mile and being on the third lap of four. You have endured all the training and pain and now its down to that last lap. You cant quit now or all the three laps already done will have been done for nothing. I tell My Daughter who is a Biology major and pre-dental that if it was easy everyone would be doing it. Because its hard, it makes the reward for finishing that much more satisfying and special.

Response by CAPT Kevin B. made Jan 4 at 2016 11:48 AM

2016-01-04T11:48:50-05:00

I highly recommend creating "THE PLAN". It has everything to do with you and your family... and where you want to be in 5 years. In all the comments, there are a few good nuggets. Education is something that can't be taken away from you. But that education must support the plan. Some pointed to possible last two billets. Make sure they are challenging because boredom leads to depression and you don't need any more fronts to fight at the same time. The Plan must have items you'll be doing after 5 years like what are you doing to create the money stream for when you don't want to or can't work. Never too early to work out the 2-3 streams you'll need besides Social Security. BTW "Hope", "Try", and "Maybe" are not plans or strategies.

So you'll wake up every day and execute THE PLAN and at the end of the day you'll realize you're closer to achieving the goals. It's more a matter of pushing forward in the big picture vs. the small world you're in when you put the uniform on.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 4 at 2016 12:25 PM

2016-01-04T12:25:21-05:00

Go on a freaking cruise and have fun that you are not having now. Let your hair down. Sometimes you have to escape reality to deal with reality. Best of luck.

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Jan 4 at 2016 3:27 PM

2016-01-04T15:27:27-05:00

Fake it till you make it. You are Staff Sergeant and a leader of Warrior, if you cannot hang for 5 more years, nothing I could, or would, say would change your mind.

Response by Capt Mark Strobl made Jan 4 at 2016 5:23 PM

2016-01-04T17:23:38-05:00

SSG Private RallyPoint Member - Maybe this'll help: Every day I miss the Corps. But in reality, I actually miss being around Marines. My wife resigned at the 16-yr mark. She has her regrets. But at the end of the day, it was the right decision for us... and our family. If that doesn't help calibrate your compass, plow through all the RP threads posted by former SM's that shoulda-woulda-coulda.

Response by CW2 Ernest Krutzsch made Jan 4 at 2016 7:43 PM

2016-01-04T19:43:33-05:00

There's a check at the end of the tunnel :-) Seriously, take inventory, what made you happy during the 1st 15 years. My motivation was I didn't want to disappoint my troops, my family or my country. I had a job to do and I owed it to everyone to do the best I could. I retired in 1997, and to this day I keep in touch with troops I had the pleasure of serving with,, they motivated me then, they motivate me now. As a matter of fact one troops daughter joined the Army and I am proud to be her "grandfather" Sends chills down my spine when she calls and screeches Chieeeef! Just like she did when she was 3

Response by SGM Steve Wettstein made Jan 5 at 2016 8:27 AM

2016-01-05T08:27:23-05:00

Challenge yourself and get out of your comfort zone.

Response by SGT Chris Hill made Jan 6 at 2016 12:10 AM

2016-01-06T00:10:42-05:00

I'd be a hypocrite to say you're over half way there because I got out very recently after 10 years in, but you're more than half way there. 5 years to go! Break it up in 6 month increments, thats what I did counting down to my ETS. Good luck man!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 8 at 2016 5:49 PM

2016-01-08T17:49:04-05:00

Look for junior Soldiers to take care of. That will always get you through. If you feel you career is over and are just waiting it out, then look to mentor and promote juniors. That will motivate you. And once they hit E-7 and they are giving you orders, it will remotivate you in different ways.

Response by SGT Chris Johnson made Jan 16 at 2016 6:35 AM

2016-01-16T06:35:32-05:00

You are one of the best medics I have had the honor of serving with and you would be a great loss to other soldiers who find them selves in my situation the day you saved my life. After being shot in the head shoulder and stomach you took one look at my huge facial wounds and did not hesitate to stop the bleeding and prep'd me for medical evacuation. So on behalf of the future and past soldiers that you have saved I plead with you to give us 5 more years. You are truly an amazing hero to your country and gentlemen like yourself are hard to come by! Also that monthly retirement check is very nice to have. I love you. And owe you my life. If you do decide to move on no one can say that you have not severed your country fully. I wish your deeds and not time was the requirement for retirement. If that were the case you would have been eligible to retire back in 2009!

Response by CW4 Craig Urban made May 21 at 2019 5:52 AM

2019-05-21T05:52:55-04:00

Get over it. And do not drink and drive.