Thinking about retiring - part of me doesn't want to. Now what?

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:26:26 -0400

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made May 28 at 2015 9:27 AM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:27:34 -0400

Enjoy your life while you can!

Response by LTC John Shaw made May 28 at 2015 9:27 AM

LTC John Shaw — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:27:38 -0400

Make sure you leave on your terms and prepare for your next position while in the service.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 9:27 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:27:51 -0400

This is a great question that I'm looking at as well, although only in the National Guard. I will be in for two more years pending a huge down size in the Guard. Personally if you can, give the Economy at least one more year to stabilize and ensure you have some solid options in place for making the jump. Please let me know how i can help!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 9:31 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:31:56 -0400

You have an impressive career Top! I would stick it out a couple years. I know a few people that retired and regretted not staying in a few more years. Good luck on your future ventures!

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 28 at 2015 9:33 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 May 2015 09:33:56 -0400

Retirement is something that you need to carefully consider before pulling the pin. It makes an awful lot of sense to have your ducks in a row before doing it.

I always told myself that as long as I felt I was useful and had something to contribute, that I would continue to serve. Then Life happened. My wife decided that she didn't want to stick it out anymore and filed for divorce. That changed everything for me. With her support, I felt I could take on the world. Without her... not so much.
So the net for me is my days are now numbered.

Response by PO1 John Miller made May 28 at 2015 10:11 AM

PO1 John Miller — Thu, 28 May 2015 10:11:19 -0400

If you're having any thoughts at all about retiring, that means you're ready. Drop your papers and call it a day!

Make sure you've set yourself up first of course. Resume ready, have it proof read, that kind of thing. If possible have a job lined up and waiting.

File your VA disability claim early (while you're still in) so that it will get fast tracked (at least that's the idea).

Decide where you're going to live and get ready to move if that's the plan.

Let us know what you decide. You've got a wealth of information here on the topic of retiring from all us "old timers", lol!

Response by 1SG Kenneth Utter made May 28 at 2015 1:32 PM

1SG Kenneth Utter — Thu, 28 May 2015 13:32:40 -0400

BLUF: Are you going to get a decent job if you need it and are you going to make the E-9 list? Don't fear change unless you are financially screwed for retirement. It isn't that life is short, the issue is that you are dead for so long.

Response by 1SG Gary Newton made May 28 at 2015 3:37 PM

1SG Gary Newton — Thu, 28 May 2015 15:37:01 -0400

You'll know when the time is right Shawn. Now or a year+ from now there is plenty of work for a guy like you. Good luck with your decision.

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 28 at 2015 3:52 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 28 May 2015 15:52:28 -0400

Well, just talked to my S-1. Turns out, since I have 20 years already, I'm done. Only if you have between 18-20 years can you stick around until age 62. I hadn't received my 20 year letter because USAR and CTARNG personnel systems don't talk to each other, so USARs records showed me short. Looks like I'll soon be putting (R) next to my rank

Response by 1SG Michael Blount made May 28 at 2015 3:53 PM

1SG Michael Blount — Thu, 28 May 2015 15:53:15 -0400

Just going to have to go full bore on finishing that to-do list. Instead of 12 months, looks like I have 3

Response by 1SG Jason Smith made May 28 at 2015 5:36 PM

1SG Jason Smith — Thu, 28 May 2015 17:36:38 -0400

Make sure that it is really what you want to do...I did 24 years and retired 2 years ago. I wish I had stayed until i couldn't do it anymore.

Response by 1SG Richard Brooks made Jun 7 at 2015 4:50 AM

1SG Richard Brooks — Sun, 07 Jun 2015 04:50:10 -0400

I'm about to push out after 25 years. If the fire is starting to waver, consider dropping your paperwork. Better to leave on top rather than stick it out and become disgruntled. I found myself more and more frustrated with the way things were going within the Army in general and my motivation was suffering. For the sake of the troops, I think I put up a pretty good front but my wife listened to a lot of my frustrations. However, I do leave knowing that I will be handing off my NCO responsibilities to some very capable young NCOS who have the fire, passion, and drive to take care of our troops.