Re-Up or become DOD Civilian?

I worked at Wendy's for 4 years before I joined the Army...still good experience dealing with difficult people :-). I'm usually the first to encourage reenlistment for numerous reasons but DoD civilian can have perks. An option could be go DoD civilian, buy back your AD time and reenlist into the reserves. Kind of a double dip deal. I've considered it a few times but I just love what I do and I don't want to give it up. No matter what choice you make, look at all the pros and cons of each route...the grass isn't always greener on the otherside.

The biggest thing to do is get an early start to see all your options. A lot of people will tell you ally of different things about what's the way to go. You need to do your research with companies and jobs you are interested in. Pay attention at Acap and use that program properly. Go to job interviews and the career fairs. Wear proper business attire. Don't get lazy with it and if you want to get out make it work

Stay in! Unless, the military completely is overwhelming for your household, it's the best career in the world. Very few jobs, if any will ever offer what the Army or any branch for that matter can. But ultimately, if you don't have the passion for it, I guess getting out isn't a terrible option. Many factors to consider. The USAR may have some perks for you if you really wanted to get out and work towards your education. Good luck either way.

It's really not as simple as "Oh I think I'll go become a DOD civilian today". I work at the two star command level with TONS of DA civilians. What they all have in common is a Masters degree at minimum (the bulk of them have doctorates, at least half have multiple degrees), and decades of experience in their field.

The lower level civilains throughout the base? Same. Tons of education and experience.

If you want a DOD job working at a PX somewhere, that's not impossible, but the GOOD jobs? The qualifications are not low..

Thank you all for your in-depth and timely responses!

The overall consensus shows that staying in would be a smart thing to do, seeing that I have no real experience worth raising a family on in the civilian world.

Just as well, this job is pretty damn easy given that you show up on time, right place, and right uniform. Do that, and you'll be fine. And that, I shall do.

Would you be contributing if you reenlisted? Would it benefit your battle buddy to the left and right of you? Will your heart be in it....or is this just a back up plan? Reenlisting is a priviledge and you should be honored to be afforded the opportunity to do so if your qualified. Too many Soldiers now a days believe the Army owes them or use it as a back up plan when they see the job market is not that great. If your heart and passion is not with the Army and your young enough and experienced enough to market yourself and contribute as a productive citizen then give it a shot. If i had a family to support, had passion for my duties in the Army, wanted to contribute to the Army and eventualy be a positive influence for fellow Soldiers and was afforded the opportunity to Reenlist and continue serving....thats 100% , if i have a family and not sure about anything else....thats rolling the dice. Either way the sooner you commit to a decision the better. Does your wife have a degree and/or a good job to take care of your family if the DoD job doesnt work out? These are just a few things i'd take into consideration that i didnt see too many others hit on.