Posted on Jun 16, 2020
Retiring closer to family or where more job opportunities are (please read description)?
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I understand this is a very subjective question. So, I'm coming down to the wire (4.5 years) until I become part of the "Check of the Month Club" and this has been really bothering me. My two choices (no compromising at the moment) as these are very good choices are either Savannah, GA (Ft. Stewart/Hunter Army Airfield) where most of my family resides, or San Antonio, TX. We were stationed in Savannah, GA a few years back and loved it. We were also stationed at Hood and fell in love with San Antonio. Now GA, has cheaper housing where we want to live (Rincon/Guyton) and just the culture is very close to how I am personally and the schools for our daughter are outstanding. Fort Gordon/Augusta, GA is a big NO/GO. I understand there are a ton of jobs in Augusta for people with clearances, but do not want my daughter attending the public school system there.
San Antonio, TX is also a very cool place to live and we love Texas as well. Texas has no state taxes, but will get you hard on property taxes. And San Antonio has endless job opportunities for post military careers.
Family is very important to us and being close to family would make up for all the time missed while serving. However, I do not want to limit my job opportunities. Please share your thoughts. I simply want to hear from experienced people that had to make this hard decision and how it panned out for you.
San Antonio, TX is also a very cool place to live and we love Texas as well. Texas has no state taxes, but will get you hard on property taxes. And San Antonio has endless job opportunities for post military careers.
Family is very important to us and being close to family would make up for all the time missed while serving. However, I do not want to limit my job opportunities. Please share your thoughts. I simply want to hear from experienced people that had to make this hard decision and how it panned out for you.
Retirement
Civilian Career
Family
Security Clearance
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 11
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SFC (Join to see) Personally, I would opt for being in a ‘family’ AO.
Private/religious schools might suit your daughter.
After burying two wives and having moved ‘closer’ to my sons after the passing of the second, I remain a bit miffed that both sons - for extremely good reasons - moved to other states.
I do understand them fleeing California. At my advanced age, I am not about to follow my sons as they change residences, but would appreciate having some actual family nearby.
It is no big deal, but I do appreciate recalling a few family gatherings before my folks started moving about. Just the idea of actually knowing a few of my cousins was rewarding.
Private/religious schools might suit your daughter.
After burying two wives and having moved ‘closer’ to my sons after the passing of the second, I remain a bit miffed that both sons - for extremely good reasons - moved to other states.
I do understand them fleeing California. At my advanced age, I am not about to follow my sons as they change residences, but would appreciate having some actual family nearby.
It is no big deal, but I do appreciate recalling a few family gatherings before my folks started moving about. Just the idea of actually knowing a few of my cousins was rewarding.
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Don't limit yourself to only working on Army facilities. Savanah area also has Beaufort and Parris Island If you don't mind working with Marines. But don't just look at DOD jobs either. If Federal employment is where your passion is there are a crap ton of non-DOD federal jobs. Leaving the Military is your chance to put some roots down and slow the pace so take advantage of it. If building those family memories for your kids is a priority being closer to home may be where you should be. Nothing against Texas but having some family nearby will mean alot to all of you.
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I chose family in all decisions throughout my active duty career, including when to retire and location of retirement residence. When you are in your final days of life and look back, what will you regret? You've got to be at peace with yourself. You say that family is very important to you. Will you be at peace if you are pretty much away from them for the rest of your life? Only you can decide that.
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SCPO (Join to see)
Thanks for the kind words. I wish you and your family the best in whatever path you take.
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