I am coming close to my ETS and I have no idea if I want to stay in or get out. For those who have ETS'd how is it?

Smart move, thank before you leap. Because the landing may not be as soft as you want when you get there.

To me it was the worst decision I had every made. Once I started working with Civilians and realized they weren't on the same sheet of music as me. I was knocking on the door of the recruiters trying to get back in. I'm thankful I got a job at my local sheriff's offices because it had a rank structure and everyone there cared about the person to their left and right. Just like being in the military all over again. Now on another note as a RECRUITER. If you decided to get out and then you don't like it. It's very hard for an E-5 to come back on to Active Duty due to the jobs available. Usually for an E-5 the army is looking for the 35p or 35 series. Now if you're Airborne qualified that might open up a few more jobs for you. Now if you have your degree and the GT 110, then I'd try to come in as an officer. Just my $0.02

SGT Baker, your choice to get out or stay in the Army is yours. I know you want to hear all the warm and fuzzy things others have experienced. As an old Career Counselor I would have to ask, why did you join the Army? Here is what I can offer you for 3 years, 4, 5 or 6 years. I will also pull out my benefits list an show you what you get for free. An with the down sizing of the Army I would really look at your MOS an see if you have options. Bonus may be an option but not something that is a guarantee from qtr to qtr. Hope you check all you options military and civilian.

I have a security clearance and was working as aircraft maintenance so it was not incredibly difficult for me to transition out to a job at boeing. You have alot of factors that go into your decision lol at all the pros and cons before making it final. Best I can say is its not a wonderful job market just try your beat to make the choice you won't regret later.

SGT Baker, I could write you a book of pro's and con's. My best piece of advise is to stay in and make it a career!! Many people I have know, kicked themselves in the arse about getting out. I myself retired from the AF as a Security Forces Specialist (MP). 21 1/2 active, 3 1/2 guard. After my 4 year active hitch I got out, after 9 months a friend told me about the ANG, I went in on a (TRY 1), one year, and loved it!! What AD does not tell you is that Guard Units have FULL TIME AD personnel, so after a few years I got a position, same pay and benefits, but you never PCS. Have been called up by both the Governor and the President, but only for 6 month deployments. Now, let's switch to benefits, you will NEVER find a retirement out side that you have currently!!!! If you get out and go back in later, you will be under the new retirement system which you know is switching to a more 401K type retirement. Medical benefits are HUGE and people can't BELIEVE what I pay....PENNIES!!!! My dad always kept saying to me when we'd talk and I was like man I'm tired, he would say "your really close, keep it up!" Thanks dad, is all I have to say!!!!

SGT Baker,
If you still enjoy the military but would also like to have a cilivian job on the outside please consider joining the Reserves or the Guard. 9 out of 10 people that get out of the military early (either active duty or reserve/guard) end up regretting it later in life when they could have had a nice retirment check coming in for the rest of their life. Say you have 4 years active duty now, you get out and join the Reserves and finish your career so that you can retire. You will have a nice retirement check by the time you are 60. If you enjoy the active duty military life then stay in, but if you are feeling burnt out, restless, not enjoying it as much as you did when you first signed up then you might want to consider getting out but fill in with the Reserves or the Guard. I served 21 years. Twenty years as a reservist and one year active duty when we were activated. I have zero regrets and will have a nice check to look forward to when I turn 60. If you do decide to leave active duty heed what LTC Stender said have a plan, either have a job waiting for you on the outside, go to school full time etc....the outside can be very difficult to navigate in finding steady good paying career jobs.
You also have the option to change it up. If you are tired of the branch you are currently serving in you could enlist in a different branch. Same goes for the Reserve /Guard. I was in the Navy and Air Froce Reserve during my career.

stay in until you retire with full pay. I got out early, and that was a HUGE mistake. if you have family sit down and discuss your options and concerns with them. I thought after I got out it would be easy, boy was i wrong. if I could go back in time....I would, I would change it to where I would have stayed away from my now ex husband and focused more on my career in the military.

truly weigh the pros and cons of staying vs getting out. Good luck either way Sgt. Baker.

It is depends on where you are locating and what you are planning on doing.

If you enjoy what your doing now in the military, stay in, Earn a Retirement or put a few more years in until you KNOW for sure who,what you want to do in the outside world. Connections are everything, so build Connections with possible Suitors in the outside world, if you aim to go that way.

Hard choice for sure but thousands have transitioned before you but if you decide have a plan! Do you want to go to school and if so study what; know what skills are in demand now and projected to grow in the future. Would any of these interest you and be honest, do you have the educational background to succeed. Don't want that then ask if you have a marketable military skill that will pay you enough to support your current lifestyle and any bills you may have. Do you have some savings if you don't have a job in hand at discharge or universities are in mid semister. If you answer no to 2 or more of these consider another hitch and prepare yourself to have a better prepared option next time. Good luck to you!