When is the right time to "Pull the plug" and start another phase in life?

CSM Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 09:56:26 -0500

Response by Capt Seid Waddell made Nov 17 at 2015 10:00 AM

Capt Seid Waddell — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 10:00:46 -0500

In my case it has always been external circumstances that forced the issue.

Response by PO1 John Miller made Nov 17 at 2015 10:16 AM

PO1 John Miller — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 10:16:49 -0500

You'll know when you're ready! That and/or your family, if you have one, will let you know it's time to "retire and get a real job..."

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 10:22 AM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 10:22:04 -0500

When your gut tells you it is time to move on, then chances are it is probably time to move one.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 17 at 2015 10:22 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 10:22:38 -0500

CSM Private RallyPoint Member - I recently met a retired CSM from Ranger Batt, who I became friends with. He spent 31 years on active duty and the brunt of it in Ranger Batt. We were talking about this same thing - as i'm closing in on 19 years of service and I had the question for him "How did you know it was time?". His response was simple - "You'll know it when your body tells you it's time and you can't hang with the hooahs any more on the runs or during PT"...which ultimately led to him stating "it's not fun anymore when that happens". He's a great person and I'm glad I had the privilege of meeting him and now calling him a friend.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Nov 17 at 2015 11:25 AM

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 17 Nov 2015 11:25:15 -0500

The right time is SO individual in nature....the time is right when it is right. Only the individual can make that determination. My wife always asked when we were younger "when are you going to get out of the military?". My answer was always the same..... "I will know it is time when it is time".....she never understood that answer....until recently. She looked at me one day and stated "you aren't having as much fun with it anymore are you?" I had to reply "you are correct....it is time" And thus began my retirement planning. It will have to be a personal choice, and only that person can make the final decision.

Response by 1SG Antwan Nicholson made Nov 18 at 2015 1:41 AM

1SG Antwan Nicholson — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 01:41:13 -0500

Only you can answer that question.

When I was young NCO, I'd ask that question of senior NCOs approaching retirement. They said, "You'll know when it's time...." For years I enjoyed myself, never calling my service a career, but my hobby.

Finally, in 2010, I changed positions hoping to be selected for Sergeant Major. The command climate turned out to be toxic and I lost my zest to continue serving. The command team led by fear and treated everyone like Privates. When I submitted my paperwork for retirement I couldn't get out fast enough.

Like I said in the beginning, "Only you can answer that question."