Posted on Feb 8, 2020
Childcare affecting my reinlistment. What would you do in my situation?
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Im at a crossroads when it comes to NY Guard reinlistment. I'm approaching my ETS on 04-06-20 and have been approached numerous times by my unit to get my thoughts. It's been a roller coaster mostly because of my significant other. Shortly after my enlistment she became pregnant with our first child and now we have two. She's also a nurse working nightshift so when I have drills, extended drills or ATs it can be a real pain trying to get childcare or someone to watch our two boys when I'm gone and she's working. The kids go to daycare three days a week so she can get some rest after night shifts during the work week. And on most weekends I'm home to watch them if she has to work. It's especially hard during ATs when we have to coordinate family members taking some shifts at night and during days they aren't in Daycare. The Guard while it has some programs can only refer me to NY States Childcare assistance for the unemployed or underemployed. Those don't help us with our income level but at our income level the days they go to daycare is expensive enough and that's for only three days a week. 5 days a week would not be affordable. Plus there's really no daycare opportunities at night or for emergency events, drill, etc. Because of this inconvenience it's tough for me to think about reupping knowing how much it incovnences my family or how costly it would be. I really enjoy the Guard, my unit, the comroderie and the training but I'm at this point where I feel I have no other choice. I've had to turn down a promotion for BLC for SGT for the same reason. Anyone in a similar situation? How did you overcome it? Is there a program I'm not aware of?
Re-enlistment
68W: Healthcare Specialist (Combat Medic)
Child Care
Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 12
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You're not really going to find a lot of programs like the kind you're looking for from NG or even USAR. Those are part time professions and the federal government offers very little full time benefits for part time Soldiers.
If the guard is costing you more than it benefits you it may be time to move on.
If the guard is costing you more than it benefits you it may be time to move on.
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SGT (Join to see)
If I was to add more childcare it would literally cost me more money and figuratively cost me since my family support is waning. But it feels as if I didn't really get to finish what I started and let my unit down especially being slated for promotion. Would be nice to at least SGT before I ETS. Don't think anyone would look down on me for it because I served but I see all these guys putting in time, going to schools, furthering education maybe getting a pension in the long run so idk. I have a Bachelor's already. Perhaps the extra time with my kids is more valuable.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) look, NG time is an equation. Does it provide more benefits than cost? AD is a simple equation: will you trade what you have now for what you can be offered? I like AD because it's simple. Being a Guardsman can be very complex. Sure, the time requirement is small, but it does not fit into everyone's civilian life.
You can always rejoin a decade down the road once your kids are old enough that childcare isn't an issue. You'd be surprised how many prior service people are on the AD and RC
You can always rejoin a decade down the road once your kids are old enough that childcare isn't an issue. You'd be surprised how many prior service people are on the AD and RC
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SGT (Join to see)
SFC (Join to see) I thought about maybe getting a master's or a health degree down the road and just direct commissioning later on. Maybe when at least one of my boys is in school. Definitely crossed my mind.
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I am going to be honest. It sounds like it's time to ETS. Thanks for having the courage to sign up in the first place, as most do not. Time to do what's best for the family.
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SGT (Join to see)
I enlisted at 33 (68W) looking for a career change and something new. While I've enjoyed the skills and do well at it I ultimately went back into finance for a better wage because civilian EMTs make garbage money. I'm getting married in August followed by an eventual home purchase so the current bonuses could really help. Not sure if it's worth the added six years and headaches with childcare.
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SFC (Join to see)
SGT (Join to see) - I think you have answered your own question here. You did something most will never do, that's put on the uniform and serve. However, the harsh reality is the Army, or in your case the Guard, doesn't "need" you, and will continue on whether you are a part of it or not. So with that in mind, I'd recommend you decide what's best for you and your family. From what you've said, that looks like its best for you to ETS and move on to other things.
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SFC Melvin Brandenburg
SGT (Join to see) - Fewer have the courage or good sense to serve. Even fewer see their commitments to the end. You honored your word when you committed to serve, so you earned the respect due. I stuck it out, but that was better for my situation. You have to do what is best for you and your family because your circumstances are yours and my circumstances were mine, so whatever you decide, hold your head high.
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SGT (Join to see)
Thanks guys I appreciate all the input. Certainly a lot to think about but you've made me feel better.
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Time to leave, it's not easy but family lasts longer. I had to give it up for mine for other reasons but I only regret a few things but I don't regret my family
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SGT (Join to see)
The assed time with family will be nice. If I choose to hang it up for now I've already committed (in my head) to doing more activities with the family and making the best use of that time on them.
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