Reenlist vs getting out?

Get out. Start planning now. If the military is just your "wasting time" job, you're taking up space that someone hungrier than you could be earning. If you think there is some magical freedom that comes from getting out, or that you'll suddenly be treated like an adult...remember that more than half the work force at entry level jobs are held by people who can't be bothered to show up to work consistently, and that you can always be jerked around by a boss because you need him to pay you. Most states have laws that let your employer fire you at any point, no questions asked.

Have You ever considered a job with the government as a crab.There are many Dept.you can apply for.Interior (national park ranger),Postal service (letter carrier) Defense.

The G.I. Bill in all of its forms was specifically created to give service members like you a good education when they left the service. Not having a bachelor's right now is a pretty crazy reason to put off doing what you want to do when the government will give you money to get one, and most schools will chip in some money, too.

If you're considering taking the leap to officer, then I will say that a lot of people hold officers with enlisted experience in high regard.

It sounds like you need to have a long talk with your retention NCO and do a lot of research. Is there a specific school you want to attend, or even just a city you'd like to move to? It wouldn't hurt to see what programs are available in that area--then even if you do return to the military as an officer, you'll have some connections and can stay updated on what's going on.

Good luck!

Earn while you learn
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I all to often hear civilians with no military service tell me how much they wished they would have taken my route. In 9 years i will retire at the age of 41, and they are jealous of that.

I wouldn't stay in the Corps if i were you and I was career minded. I would move over to the AF and become a PJ or CCT, or I would join the Army and go Ranger or SF. There are too few opportunities in the Corps. All of the Spec OPS money is pushed to either the Amry or Navy.

Tough choice and in the end you have to make that choice that will best suit your future.
Staying in the Marines or going to another branch is something that you have to do what is best for your career also, choosing a career enhancing school or request to change your MOS, depends on your initial ASVAB scores if I remember correctly, look for some duty station that will also enhance your career.
Getting out and going back to college using your Post 9/11 GI bill is going to be a good step for your future. Looking at a field that has career growth and decent pay, remember in the civilian sector pay is based on locality so you can see big differences between say Butte, MT and San Francisco, CA.
In the end you have to decide what is best for your future based on advice you get from family, friends, unit members and since your asking here Rally Point members.
Regardless of your choice I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

I had a similar issue after my enlistment. I've regretted it ever since. Feeling 'Short' was great. I felt I had accomplished a major milestone and was ready to move on in life. But I didn't have an exit plan in 1998. Needless to say when I got home... After a couple months my good intentions were gone.
Ended up living check to check only to pay rent, eat and hangout.
My advice. Reassess your long term goals. Select a MOS that fits your new career path and re-enlist. Find an online degree program and get your education in the barracks during your next 4 years.
Pay yourself first! That way if and when you do decide to get out. You'll have 8 yrs experience and a college degree.

Good Luck

i counted down the days to getting out and have enjoyed most of my life since but have struggled and not a days go by that i don't wish i had stayed in for the retirement

I was not the best, but a pretty good Marine and someone that the Prior Service Recruitment wanted to keep. But they kinda blew it. First they try to dangle the rank of Sergeant in front of you, as if I didn't already have that cutting score and they were offering something I hadn't already earned. Then it just seemed that the various types of re-up bonuses that were being offered to folks coming upon the same situation just a few weeks before me were getting fatter offers with less excitement in their SRBs than mine.

That said, I do not believe in the FEAR of getting out. In fact I have often accused some for only staying in because of that fear. Being a contributor in society means not being part of the Nanny State, which includes not only the Welfare Recipients who do not work, but also those who the Government hands jobs to only out of "they want them to NEED the government", and they often do...been to a DMV lately? Bureaucracy is not an accident...some folks aren't even expected to be very efficient. If you do not internally believe you can do much better, then I question the real value of you wearing the Uniform. (well...anybody, not you specifically). I am not exactly thrilled about the idea that some only serve for personal gain, college cash, VA Healthcare, etc...who couldn't care less about Our Flag, Our Nation, Our Freedom, and/or all of the other things that fall under "The Cause".

Scary to me that a Marine Corporal struggles with that one. No disrespect intended here, but either Man the eph Up, or Go the eph Home.

I got out after six years enlisted. I did not have a degree, job, or any kind of a plan. This was in 1984 and the economy was pretty much like it is now. Due to the lack of employment opportunities, I took whatever work I could. While working as a janitor, I realized the only way I was going to make it was to get an education. I began going to school at a community college. It took me a long time, but it paid off! You have to decide what you want to do, then you have to be willing to pay the price of your decision. Good luck whatever you decide!