SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 5258493 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My ETS is in a year and I’m really conflicted if I should stay in or get out. I am not married and don’t have kids. I’m also not close to my family members so I don’t mind being away. I joined the military to travel and see new places.<br /><br /> I also wanted to feel like I’m part of a family away from home but the past 5 years I’ve been in, There were many times where I’ve felt alone. This could be because I’m not very outgoing and I find it hard to find people to relate to. I’m not going to blame being female but because I’m also introverted, it’s difficult finding friends in the Army, especially being in a small unit. I feel like I’m in a fishbowl community.<br /><br />I would like to go to college full time and I wouldn’t mind getting out to pursue that. I know if I get out, it’s going to be tough for me to get back in (due to medical issues). I feel like I really need to make a plan and decide fast.<br /><br />I know everyone’s situation is different but if you’re willing to share your story on getting out or choosing not to get out.<br /><br />How is the civilian life? <br /><br />Is the grass greener on the other side? Does anyone regret getting out of the military? 2019-11-20T21:20:34-05:00 SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member 5258493 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>My ETS is in a year and I’m really conflicted if I should stay in or get out. I am not married and don’t have kids. I’m also not close to my family members so I don’t mind being away. I joined the military to travel and see new places.<br /><br /> I also wanted to feel like I’m part of a family away from home but the past 5 years I’ve been in, There were many times where I’ve felt alone. This could be because I’m not very outgoing and I find it hard to find people to relate to. I’m not going to blame being female but because I’m also introverted, it’s difficult finding friends in the Army, especially being in a small unit. I feel like I’m in a fishbowl community.<br /><br />I would like to go to college full time and I wouldn’t mind getting out to pursue that. I know if I get out, it’s going to be tough for me to get back in (due to medical issues). I feel like I really need to make a plan and decide fast.<br /><br />I know everyone’s situation is different but if you’re willing to share your story on getting out or choosing not to get out.<br /><br />How is the civilian life? <br /><br />Is the grass greener on the other side? Does anyone regret getting out of the military? 2019-11-20T21:20:34-05:00 2019-11-20T21:20:34-05:00 LTC Eugene Chu 5258533 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It depends on each individual. My suggestion is to talk to counselor since you are unsure what you want. Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Nov 20 at 2019 9:32 PM 2019-11-20T21:32:55-05:00 2019-11-20T21:32:55-05:00 MAJ Javier Rivera 5258561 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Ok,<br /><br />I retired after 27 years and wish I never did. But... I did my first few years active, then ETS to attend college, got commissioned and returned back to active; then retired. Regarding civilian life, each person has a different story.<br /><br />Now, the most important part. You mentioned something about medical issues. TAKE CARE OF THEM AND MAKE SURE YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS REFLECT THEM. Take care of yourself regraded if you ETS or stay in for the long haul. <br /><br />Im an introverted person and managed to hang for the first part of my adult life. A suggestion: volunteer of some of the local charities. Each installation has a volunteer coordinator at the ACS office. Check ‘em out. Response by MAJ Javier Rivera made Nov 20 at 2019 9:42 PM 2019-11-20T21:42:59-05:00 2019-11-20T21:42:59-05:00 CSM Charles Hayden 5258566 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1552647" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1552647-68k-medical-laboratory-specialist">SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member</a> Civvy side of the world can be lonely also. <br /><br />Re-training yourself to be more interactive with other people might be as effective for improving your in life in military as it would in the civilian world.<br /><br />How much have you worked on yourself to “grow”? <br /><br />How do you handle yourself in public? Would a trial or commitment to “Toastmasters International’ help retrain you? <br /><br />I attended a ‘Dale Carnegie’ public speaking course when I was 19 years old, to this day, I believe it was an important class for a quiet, introverted young man. <br /><br />The confidence I gained in public speaking has remained with me for eons. <br /><br />Another legacy from the class is that I seldom say: ‘and’, ‘well now’, ‘uh’ and also do not hesitate to pause while speaking to anyone while I collect my thoughts. <br /><br />Also, when tempted, I can interrupt long on-going conversations if I cannot get a word in! I simply ignore those motor mouths and continue interjecting my thoughts until they finally stop talking and listen to Me! Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Nov 20 at 2019 9:46 PM 2019-11-20T21:46:39-05:00 2019-11-20T21:46:39-05:00 SSgt Kelly D. 5258593 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The grass is as green as you make it wherever you are. I got out and sometimes wish I hadn&#39;t but chose having children over the military otherwise I would have stayed in. I agree with Maj Rivera about getting involved with local charities, just doing that can change your whole outlook. A counselor doesn&#39;t hurt either as they can help you see things a bit differently. Response by SSgt Kelly D. made Nov 20 at 2019 9:57 PM 2019-11-20T21:57:52-05:00 2019-11-20T21:57:52-05:00 SPC Stewart Smith 5258597 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I got out after 4 years active duty. My thought was &#39;I can always just go back in, but I can&#39;t just get out.&#39; I went to school, got a job, enjoyed being out and now I&#39;m back in school again. I still am happy about getting out. Plus, I make a lot more money in the outside world and have a house. Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Nov 20 at 2019 9:59 PM 2019-11-20T21:59:17-05:00 2019-11-20T21:59:17-05:00 SPC Devin Young 5258610 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Grass always seem to be greener on the other side. I got out twice lol and thinking about coming back again lmbo... indecisive, I know Response by SPC Devin Young made Nov 20 at 2019 10:03 PM 2019-11-20T22:03:29-05:00 2019-11-20T22:03:29-05:00 Sgt Private RallyPoint Member 5258634 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div><a class="dark-link bold-link" role="profile-hover" data-qtip-container="body" data-id="1552647" data-source-page-controller="question_response_contents" href="/profiles/1552647-68k-medical-laboratory-specialist">SPC(P) Private RallyPoint Member</a> I miss the brotherhood but feel that I made the right decision. In Vietnam, I heard that we had landed on the Moon, and thought that the Space Program had to be an excellent career. Later, I was stationed at MCB 29 Palms, where we had a bad drug problem. I was fed up, and made plans to be part of the Space Program when I was discharged. In June 1972, I moved to the Houston area, found a good job at a chemical plant, and started work on my degree. Five and a half years later, I had my degree, and started a 33 year career on the Space Shuttle Program with some time devoted to the International Space Station Program. When the Space Shuttle Program ended, I was out of sorts for about two years, which means I was probably too invested in my work. Do your research, make plans, set goals, and then implement your plan. Make adjustments as required. The grass may be greener on the other side, but that is up to you. Please update us with your decision. Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2019 10:14 PM 2019-11-20T22:14:47-05:00 2019-11-20T22:14:47-05:00 LT Brad McInnis 5258754 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Let me throw this question at you: With your training, is it better for you to be in the military, or working in a civilian job that can constantly be shut down on you? I have a friend that is in the med lab field, been doing it for 15 years. He has not felt comfortable about his job being long term for many years. He has switched companies 3 times, with all the healthcare stuff that entails. At least in the military, your healthcare and job security is mostly secure. <br /><br />As far as the loneliness, I can vouch that sometimes it can be lonely on the outside, and a lot of people don&#39;t understand anything about the military.<br /><br />If you want to go to college, let the military pay for it and go OCS if you can. <br /><br />Ultimately, the answer is yours. If there are drawbacks in the military that you can change, change them (some of the other ideas are great suggestions). <br /><br />Best of luck to you. I will say what I have always said to my sailors... those that ask the questions are more than likely the SM&#39;s that the military needs. Response by LT Brad McInnis made Nov 20 at 2019 11:09 PM 2019-11-20T23:09:31-05:00 2019-11-20T23:09:31-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 5258761 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I left active duty when I started having kids, but I missed it enough that I went back into the active Reserves (just in time for Desert Storm) for three years. Even after I left the Reserves (again, family) I missed it, and several times I explored the possibility of going back in. It took me way too long, but I finally found a home in the State Guard (State Defense Force), five years and counting.<br /><br />TBH, I found it harder to make friends in the civilian world than I did in the military. As a woman, the only other women I enjoy being around very much are military women. (There are a few others, but not many, and they all have some tie to the military.) There&#39;s WAY too much drama among non-military women. With military women, we&#39;ve all been there, done that, and we don&#39;t have to prove anything to one another.<br /><br />The civilian world has a different mindset from what we&#39;re used to in the military. I found the transition very difficult at first, and I still find it irritating and frustrating at times. For a long time, I felt lost without the military structure. As they say, &quot;you can get out of the military, but you can&#39;t get the military out of you.&quot; Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 20 at 2019 11:11 PM 2019-11-20T23:11:20-05:00 2019-11-20T23:11:20-05:00 SFC Casey O'Mally 5258839 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I absolutely LOVE my DD214 (So much, that I state it on my RP profile). But I also stayed until retirement.<br /><br />If you want to do college, use tuition assistance while still in... Save the GI bill for grad school down the line or (future) family members.<br /><br />There is nothing wrong with being introverted. However if it leaves you feeling like you are alone, you need to change things up. This may mean finding a hobby, volunteering, taking a college course, joining a church group, joining a single mingle group, or finding a gaming group. <br /><br />I joined the SCA early on, and later found a D&amp;D group - but I am a super-geek, so that is what worked for me. <br /><br />In the civilian world, I am finding it much harder to network, so that may not be the best bet for you.<br /><br />Regardless of any or all of that, only YOU can decide what is best for you. Talk to a career counselor - if (s)he is doing his or her job, (s)he will actually COUNSEL you on what is best for you. Response by SFC Casey O'Mally made Nov 20 at 2019 11:39 PM 2019-11-20T23:39:18-05:00 2019-11-20T23:39:18-05:00 CPT Jack Durish 5258903 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Valid questions that you must answer for yourself. Sorry, but the freedom that comes when you attain majority also comes with personal responsibility. It seems that you have other issues to deal with before you decide to stay or leave. You can run away from the service but you can&#39;t run away from yourself Response by CPT Jack Durish made Nov 21 at 2019 12:26 AM 2019-11-21T00:26:19-05:00 2019-11-21T00:26:19-05:00 GySgt Private RallyPoint Member 5258915 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All great responses. Just like the old saying, individual experiences will vary. You really have to weigh the pros and cons of both staying in and leaving. I retired after 20 years in the Marine Corps and I miss it every single day! I miss the people. I miss the camaraderie. My experience has been that people on the outside think I am different and from another planet. Only because where I now live, I did not grow up with all of them. I was an outsider. I still am. I have even found that other veterans who just did 4 years tend to stay clear because I did 20. I actually heard that. I am just a regular person like anyone else. I carry no rank or power but a regular person with a first name and can carry a conversation with anyone. It can be a hard transition. Yet there are some who adapt well and overcome obstacles and can thrive in that environment. Some don&#39;t fit in the military service either. I would suggest come up with plans for both staying in and getting out. Find someone fair and impartial and tell them you plans and then have them put holes in it. Then start to weigh your options. If you ever want help with that I am more than willing to help. Good luck! You will get some good advice from some great people here. Response by GySgt Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2019 12:43 AM 2019-11-21T00:43:05-05:00 2019-11-21T00:43:05-05:00 SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth 5259129 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>At times, yes. Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Nov 21 at 2019 5:19 AM 2019-11-21T05:19:29-05:00 2019-11-21T05:19:29-05:00 SGT Jd Cannon 5259617 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Is the grass greener? It depends on how the lawn is cared for and maintained. I’m relatively introverted when I don’t know a lot of people I’m in the room with but I also feel that I have enough friends, and we are super close. Social media makes us feel like we should know everyone and though networking is important when looking for employment or fund raising knowing a few well connected people is best. It’s quality not quantity. With that said, transitioning can be a wonderful new step in your life when you are PREPARED. Document any injuries before your leave. Create a dynamic resume and decide what you want to do and WHERE. Also start putting money aside for the unemployment gap and you’ll be fine. Change is never easy but it’s more difficult when it’s abrupt. Response by SGT Jd Cannon made Nov 21 at 2019 7:57 AM 2019-11-21T07:57:21-05:00 2019-11-21T07:57:21-05:00 SMSgt David Lawrence 5259915 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>This is definitely an individual choice. I am very outgoing and always see the glass as &quot;Half full&quot; so I make the best of every situation. I will say that I debated getting out several times in my career and do not regret going until retirement. At 24years in I suddenly realized I wanted a different life and retired. Now (after a little adjustment time) I am fully enjoying the civilian employment and at the same time using my experience to help Veterans in our area find employment with a great company. Make your decision and make the best of it. I do recommend finishing a degree in something that you eventually want to work in and then you will have a better fall back option. Response by SMSgt David Lawrence made Nov 21 at 2019 9:33 AM 2019-11-21T09:33:36-05:00 2019-11-21T09:33:36-05:00 SGT Dave Tracy 5259940 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Occasionally. <br /><br />I even went so far as to inquire a couple months ago if I could get back into the Reserves or go Guard. In some ways, my greater regret was not enlisting when I was much younger; hell, if I had I could have retired a while ago! Civilian life hasn&#39;t provided me the sense of accomplishment or pride of purpose as I found in the Army and the Reserve. <br /><br />On the other hand, civilian life didn&#39;t play nearly as many F___ F___ Games as I was subject to playing in the Army; so I guess you take the good, you take the bad. ;-)<br /><br />That was my experience, and everyone is different. Good luck whatever you decide. Response by SGT Dave Tracy made Nov 21 at 2019 9:42 AM 2019-11-21T09:42:53-05:00 2019-11-21T09:42:53-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 5260426 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I highly recommend that you look into the Guard or Reserves. You could continue to serve (and earn an eventual pension) while going to school full-time with GI Bill and TA support. If after finishing your degree you want to stay in, you&#39;ll have the option of doing so as an Officer or NCO. You&#39;ll have no break in service and can stay reserve or return to active duty. No need to get out completely. <br />I did eight years active/enlisted before going to school and eventually taking a Commission in the Guard. It&#39;s been a good career and the perfect blend of service and civilian life. I&#39;ve also been able to start and retire from a civilian job in the middle of all that, which is something our active-duty comrades rarely are able to do... Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 21 at 2019 11:57 AM 2019-11-21T11:57:18-05:00 2019-11-21T11:57:18-05:00 SSG Richard Martin 5261044 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Stay in...time flies by, you&#39;ll have retirement plus go to school on them. Response by SSG Richard Martin made Nov 21 at 2019 3:37 PM 2019-11-21T15:37:37-05:00 2019-11-21T15:37:37-05:00 SGT Alejandro Benavides 5261537 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>All I can ever tell someone who’s on the fence is to have a plan. And none of that Army mandated bullshit. Like a serious plan and stick to it. Ensure you have enough money, or somewhere reliable to stay, like your parents home if you’re single, or your spouse can support you both for a while. If your plan is education, take that shit seriously. It’s your job now. If you decide to work, take your military mentality out of you but bring in the good military habits that employers seek. But whatever you decide, get to the VA within your the first 9 months (cut off is 1 year, but let’s be real here) to take care of all those bad knees and backs that come with military service.<br /><br />For this specific question, I’d advise you to research colleges where you would want to attend alongside the degree plan you’re trying to purse. If you enjoy being away from family, you can always find yourself a small apartment near the university or live in the dorms. (It’s more cost efficient to live in an apartment). The military isn’t for everyone, and if that’s how you feel, no amount of time in would change that unless you change MOS or even maybe your branch of service. Response by SGT Alejandro Benavides made Nov 21 at 2019 6:29 PM 2019-11-21T18:29:56-05:00 2019-11-21T18:29:56-05:00 SFC Brandon Garrett 5261543 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>If you decide to ETS, Preparation is key. You say college. Do you know what school? What do you want to major in? When my spouse and I made the decision to retire, I started planning two years out. 6 months prior to leaving I&#39;d signed an employment agreement with the place I work at now. Response by SFC Brandon Garrett made Nov 21 at 2019 6:32 PM 2019-11-21T18:32:05-05:00 2019-11-21T18:32:05-05:00 SSG William DeCamp 5262002 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Stay in, you’ll never experience the camaraderie you have in the military. After serving for 20 yrs. you can start a civilian career. Response by SSG William DeCamp made Nov 21 at 2019 9:15 PM 2019-11-21T21:15:26-05:00 2019-11-21T21:15:26-05:00 SSgt Joe Bromley 5262514 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I separated nearly two years ago and I can say from my own experience that it is a mixed bag.<br /><br />1: You may not realize just how much you came to appreciate the people you work with until you drive off the base for the last time. <br />2: Some call it freedom, others call it being truly responsible for one&#39;s own actions again.<br />3: Anybody you didn&#39;t like (peers, supervisors, etc.) need never bother you again<br /><br />All in all, yeah... I miss some people and the thrill of a tough job well done. I would do it all again if I was 21 again, but I think I made the right call getting out when I did. Response by SSgt Joe Bromley made Nov 22 at 2019 5:03 AM 2019-11-22T05:03:34-05:00 2019-11-22T05:03:34-05:00 CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana 5263100 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Sure; it is only natural to feel an occasional urge to serve again, but in our hearts we understand that we have served, defended and earned. The urge wears off after awhile. Get involved in other things and the urge remains at bay. God Bless you Specialist. Response by CPT Gurinder (Gene) Rana made Nov 22 at 2019 8:44 AM 2019-11-22T08:44:51-05:00 2019-11-22T08:44:51-05:00 GySgt Kenneth Pepper 5263411 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The grass is not better or worse, but is is definitely different. The leadership in most civilian workplaces is sorely lacking compared to what I have seen in military life. But there were a few bad apples there too. If I miss anything most, it is the camaraderie shared by the few people I really got to know well. There are definitely things I do not miss, but those memories seem to fade.<br />I will add on to the other comments by saying my military career was simply a chapter in my book. It was longer than most, but it ended and I moved on. There were good times and bad. I have a few minor regrets, but nothing that outweighs what I gained from serving.<br />You seem to be an intelligent, introspective person. I bet one day you w ill find your true passion and you will bloom like a flower. That might be in uniform, it may not. If you are still physically willing and able to serve, why not do another few years? I didn&#39;t go to college until my late 40s, and it was better for me that way because I had so much life experience.<br /><br />And like Maj Rivers said, get those medical conditions treated and documented and get copies of the records. <br />Good luck. Response by GySgt Kenneth Pepper made Nov 22 at 2019 10:41 AM 2019-11-22T10:41:36-05:00 2019-11-22T10:41:36-05:00 MSG Private RallyPoint Member 5263758 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I got out. Then 5.5 years later I came back in. The grass always appears greener thru the fence......until you climb over than fence. When I got out, I had a hell of a time adjusting to civilian life and trying to find my place. Never did. Came back in (granted, in the Reserves), and everything fell into place for me. In one week shy of 11 years after getting back in, I went from SPC to SFC, got married, got a great civilian job, children....things couldn&#39;t be better. Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 22 at 2019 11:54 AM 2019-11-22T11:54:38-05:00 2019-11-22T11:54:38-05:00 SGT James Colbert 5264474 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Well Spc Davis..it all depends on your 30ft point of view, if you can view your life from 30 ft in the air a d you can see all the directions and places to go and what there is to do..i would start there<br /><br />Not every cloud has a silver linings and not all grasses are greener on the other side. If your going MEB or being medical retired..i would talk to my local VA rep. I am always asked that question, is government service GS is better than contracting... it all a out your point of view, view your pro and con ...there is pro and con for everything especually getting out of the army. I got out in 05...i am not going to shit you...it was a rough adjustment for an E5 with 14 years in and wake up one day at 430am and do nothing..and go through your days weeks or months without a structured schedule. I spent 7 months not working . Then i went to work as a GS.<br />IF that doesnt help, then flow your heart Specialist Davis, that is the least you can do. Response by SGT James Colbert made Nov 22 at 2019 2:25 PM 2019-11-22T14:25:46-05:00 2019-11-22T14:25:46-05:00 SGT James Belcher 5266115 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>It&#39;s different for everyone....I got out because of knee issues and my family. My wife was in the military also and we kept getting separated. There isnt a day that goes by that I wish I had tried to finish. That being said, I have had a great run in the civilian life also. The military was a great stepping stone for me and helped me greatly in my transition into the civilian life. I am not introverted...so I don&#39;t know how to help with that. Whatever you decide to do attack it with gusto. Your experiences in the military will help you go far, no matter what you decide. Response by SGT James Belcher made Nov 23 at 2019 1:53 AM 2019-11-23T01:53:52-05:00 2019-11-23T01:53:52-05:00 LTC Private RallyPoint Member 5296980 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Right now I regret staying in so long. I got off active duty at around 17 years active duty, made finding my next job my full time job, got multiple competitive offers and took the job that was the right fit for me. Unfortunately I didn&#39;t get &quot;All the way out&quot; of the army and got recalled to active duty. Civilian life was fantastic but I also developed a marketable skillset in the military and networked my way to find great opportunities.<br /><br />There is plenty of opportunities within the Army if you want to stay in and do something else depending on your interests.<br /><br />I have to admit I have no idea what a medical laboratory specialist does or what kind of job market there is out there for it so you&#39;ll have to figure that out for yourself but the job market has not been better than it is right now for people looking for work.<br /><br />If you want to get out, make a plan and start now. Network, communicate and execute with confidence. Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 2 at 2019 2:53 AM 2019-12-02T02:53:26-05:00 2019-12-02T02:53:26-05:00 LTC Lee Bouchard 5367423 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Hi young lady,<br />I am sure there are many like you thinking about leaving but are unsure of the future. I spent 33 years beginning as an E-1. I loved every day but because of my age had to retire. I wish I could be serving today, never regretted staying as long as I did. <br />Here are couple of options. While on active duty you can look into occupations in the medical field that are compatible with your MOS. See what they are looking for and are they hiring? If you chose to leave, join the Army Reserve or National Guard. A. You can complete 20 years and draw retirement pay plus great medical coverage after retirement. B. From the Reserves or N.G. it far easier to go back on active duty than from civilian status. If you, as a civilian, wait to long to back on active duty you will loose at least one grade and maybe have to go through basic again. Check out the many options they have via one of their recruiters. Don&#39;t loose the time and value you have earned. C. If you leave consider seeking employment with a federal agency. Prior service applicants have employment priority over civilians. D. Considering C above. Look into the V.A. with your MOS and your background could be very marketable. You can do the above and still go to school part time. Check out your V.A. school benefits and discover how they pay for books and tuition. <br /><br />Maj. Rivera has given you great advise. Look into your medical records and make sure every visit for medical reasons are complete. This means what you were treated for, place, dates and names of the provider. Get copies of any and all records. Hang on to them like money.<br /><br />Before leaving, some day you will leave, look into your medical insurance options and coverage.<br />Tri - care might be your best choice.<br /><br />Good Luck and I hope your future will be a bright one.<br /><br />Lee<br /><br />P.S. If your are still on the fence before your ETS date consider another couple of years. Give yourself the time for needed for a decision you won&#39;t regret later. Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Dec 21 at 2019 6:06 PM 2019-12-21T18:06:32-05:00 2019-12-21T18:06:32-05:00 LTC Lee Bouchard 5367674 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I have responded to your post earlier today but need to add another suggestion. Let us assume you plan to leave the Milt. It is a good idea to have a place (City) in mind you might move to. Before leaving the Milt. fined out the costs living on a civilian economy. Costs include: Rent, gas, utilities, food, taxes and public transportation etc. Make yourself a reasonable budget accordingly based on your findings.<br />Compare your estimated expenses with your military pay. You might be disappointed either way. Response by LTC Lee Bouchard made Dec 21 at 2019 7:45 PM 2019-12-21T19:45:51-05:00 2019-12-21T19:45:51-05:00 SGT Bonnie B. 5368141 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Every single day Response by SGT Bonnie B. made Dec 22 at 2019 12:44 AM 2019-12-22T00:44:09-05:00 2019-12-22T00:44:09-05:00 MAJ Lawrence Emmons 5445670 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I was an E-6, went to college and retired as a Major. I have many friends that retired as enlisted. Staying until you have built a retirement is smart, it gives you options when you do get out. As active duty if you are working for someone miserable, odds are you or that person will be transfered within a year. In civilian life you are stuck, I was in acquisition (writing contracts) and have a skill I can find a job easily. I liked in the Military I was rewarded for adding to my education. But you are rewarded in the end of 20 years, I know its hard to be gone from the family on deployments and other things but in the end you can take care of your family long term. Response by MAJ Lawrence Emmons made Jan 15 at 2020 9:00 AM 2020-01-15T09:00:51-05:00 2020-01-15T09:00:51-05:00 MSgt Paul Klutz 5474101 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The answer to that question depends on your personal situation. I got out after twenty because it seemed like the right thing to do. I had enough for retirement, finally had my kids in good schools, was living in an area I liked and the opportunity for for post-service employment was about as good as it was going to get. I went to work for the federal government after I retired. The money and benefits were certainly better and I was able to buy back my service time and apply it towards retirement from my federal job. So, economically, it worked out pretty well. Did I miss the Air Force? Every day! I had a job that to this day I can&#39;t believe they actually paid me to do, and worked with some of the most talented people I have ever met. However, at the close of the 20th Century and the Cold War, that job was not what it once was and because of my rank, my responsibilities were changing as were my potential assignments . My civilian job was frustrating at times (okay, frequently very frustrating), but I stuck it out. Looking back, I made the right decision, it all worked out well in the end. You need to go over all the pros and cons, What does the Army have to offer you? What would a civilian life have to offer? If you get out, but want to maintain contact with the Army, what would the guard and reserves have to offer? If you do stay in, keep in mind that one day, your military career will one day come to an end. When that day comes, you must be prepared for it! In the mean time, make sure all your medical issues are documented in your medical records. I did not do that and as a result missed out on some VA benefits. Response by MSgt Paul Klutz made Jan 23 at 2020 9:43 AM 2020-01-23T09:43:32-05:00 2020-01-23T09:43:32-05:00 MSG Gilbert Berg 5492195 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I got out of the Regular Army in 1956 after 3 years and went into USAR until 1973, original starter of the AGR program until November 30 1993 when I was 60 years old. I received credit for 41 years 7 months 6 days of points..RLTW Response by MSG Gilbert Berg made Jan 28 at 2020 10:34 AM 2020-01-28T10:34:07-05:00 2020-01-28T10:34:07-05:00 SFC Jim Ruether 5514189 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>The most important thing I miss about my time in the military are the men and women that I served with both under me and my supervisors who I worked with over me. We became a tight knit group and practically operated on ESP Extra Sensory Perception because we knew what each other&#39;s jobs were and could function as a unit even when one or two people were on leave or other reasons. So yes you will miss people you worked with but? Another option is get out and come back as a civilian contractor if those positions are available. You work with the same people you did before, have options to serve at different bases around the world, make three times the salary doing the same or similar work. A number of my fellow Artillerymen did this and now work with munitions companies and do a number of important jobs Response by SFC Jim Ruether made Feb 3 at 2020 10:04 AM 2020-02-03T10:04:14-05:00 2020-02-03T10:04:14-05:00 SPC David Buttrey 5516386 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Simple answer is yes but you have to do you. What works for someone else may not work for you. Overall I loved my time and wish I had at the least went in the National Guard or the Reserves. Response by SPC David Buttrey made Feb 3 at 2020 9:23 PM 2020-02-03T21:23:43-05:00 2020-02-03T21:23:43-05:00 SFC Gwendolyn Hendricks 5533905 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I spend 22 years in and I would tell you to stay in for your 20 since you aren&#39;t married or have any kids. Jobs are far and in between, so get a MOS that will work for you out in civilian life. School is great if you choose the medical school<br />But the decision is yours<br />Good luck! Response by SFC Gwendolyn Hendricks made Feb 7 at 2020 11:05 PM 2020-02-07T23:05:20-05:00 2020-02-07T23:05:20-05:00 MAJ Private RallyPoint Member 5543454 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>SPC Davis,<br /><br />Please give the Army Reserves or National Guard some consideration as well. You can work on your education and civilian career and continue to serve. You have some other options as well. Good Luck Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2020 1:22 PM 2020-02-10T13:22:21-05:00 2020-02-10T13:22:21-05:00 CPL Ignazzio Flores 5562902 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I missed it, and I have to understand and accept that my time it was up, it was hard but I do miss it. Response by CPL Ignazzio Flores made Feb 15 at 2020 2:53 PM 2020-02-15T14:53:29-05:00 2020-02-15T14:53:29-05:00 SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield 5565838 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>I actually regret getting out when I did but kind of had no choice, but I wish I would of did 20 years and retired, I too like you was quiet and kind of shy but I did get married and had a kid while in and made some great friend that I still talk to till this day. Take care of your medical issues and make sure you document everything because I have been fighting va for years for the knee issues the military caused me. My son enlisted and has been in for two years now and my advice to him would be stay in, go to college get a degree in a much needed field, travel and see the world and if you can retire, take care of you. It is hard out here and degrees don&#39;t guarantee jobs, I have an associates, bachelors and master&#39;s and have never worked in my field of study. Luckily my husband is now after 10 years a 100% disabled veteran so now I can focus on trying to get my disability. It is harder when you have a family in the military, if I could go back to being single in the military I would travel, go airborne among other things. My husband and I both say if we could we would of retired from the military but we probably wouldn&#39;t of met if we had of. There are pros and cons with the military see for yourself what benefits you the most. Response by SPC Anitra Bailey-Bearfield made Feb 16 at 2020 2:06 PM 2020-02-16T14:06:33-05:00 2020-02-16T14:06:33-05:00 SCPO Private RallyPoint Member 5579480 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Only one realistic answer: stay right where you are and just keep improving your station in the military. Get EVERYTHING you can out of the military, and give back EVERYTHING that you can to the hand that has fed you. One guarantee: the other side of the fence is not always as green as it may appear. Response by SCPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 20 at 2020 12:33 AM 2020-02-20T00:33:57-05:00 2020-02-20T00:33:57-05:00 PO2 Jibri Usher 5580703 <div class="images-v2-count-0"></div>Take care of your medical record and make sure its up to date. First take care of your physical body before trying to commit to something else. Dont let people lie to you and say you cant get a job because you get disability thats a lie. Thr only time the Va will hinder you from a job is when people lie about their mental state so they deem you not fit for working or school however thats when people go and say they want to harm themselves just to get out of their duties. Response by PO2 Jibri Usher made Feb 20 at 2020 10:35 AM 2020-02-20T10:35:49-05:00 2020-02-20T10:35:49-05:00 2019-11-20T21:20:34-05:00