The Dreaded Mid Career Crisis

2014-03-12T03:46:49-04:00

Well the time is quickly approaching and I seem to be going through what I have heard many do.  The Mid Career Crisis.  Stay in? Or brave the outside world and join the civilian work force?  I'm not even half way there, but reenlisting will put me over half.  I have 8 years now and am due to get out in a year.  I made E6 in 7 and I just dont know if I want to go any further.  I would never get out without plan A through Z, but I feel like I have A through Z set.  I'm married with a 2 month old and set to go back to sea duty in 2 years if I do reenlist.  Im looking for those who went through this internal conflict.  Did you stay? Get out? Do you regret your decision? I can weigh my pros and cons, but I'd like to hear everyone elses.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 12 at 2014 4:00 AM

2014-03-12T04:00:18-04:00

Bottom line - Have a plan. Look at all options available if you stay in from geographic assignment, promotion opportunities and even jumping to the dark side and going OCS.
 
If you decide to ETS, then have a job or college (or both) lined-up as well as housing, and some savings. And if you do get out think about the reserves or National Guard, as you probably will end up missing the commaraderie and can still put your skills to use and work towards a retirement - plus it is money in case your plans fall through.
 
I speak from experience, in 1992 I ETS'ed as a Sergeant/E5 and had a job lined up with the Detroit Police Department (Solid plan) but in the 2 weeks that I got out and moved back to Detroit they instituted a hiring freeze...so for the next year I was working days selling termite contracts and nights stocking shelves at Home Depot. Thankfully I did not have a family to support.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Mar 12 at 2014 10:35 PM

2014-03-12T22:35:21-04:00

With a solid plan and adequate transition, a successful servicemember can easily transition from the military...and I'd recommend it to anyone today.

If a servicemember is hesitant about the transition, try a year or so in the reserve component...that'll ease the anxiety and you'll see you can survive without the military.