Should I get out or stay in?

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:44:37 -0400

As I am approaching my 10 year mark at the end of this current enlistment I am torn as to whether I should pursue my recent job offer rfrom a defense corporation or continue to fight on with the Navy. The money on the outside will be better but the benefits don't stack up. All in all I suppose I'm just wondering if anyone on here has gone through the same ordeal?

Response by GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad made Apr 24 at 2015 3:46 PM

GySgt Wayne A. Ekblad — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:46:58 -0400

I think we have all been there at one time or another. In the end, you have to do what you think is best for you and your family. Best of luck with whatever road you choose to take.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 3:55 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:55:30 -0400

Only those at the ten year mark.

Lots of things to consider. I had my decision made for me after Vietnam. Later I was lucky enough to be able to join the Reserves which allowed me to retire (I had only about 14 1/2 years active.

I will say I am very glad it worked out because it has given me a good retired life.

Please feel free to ask any specific questions .

Response by CMSgt Mark Schubert made Apr 24 at 2015 3:59 PM

CMSgt Mark Schubert — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 15:59:39 -0400

I had 10 years and made the choice to get out and take a civilian job - however, I continued in the Reserves and it was a wise choice! Now, 23 years later, I'm still with the same company (that supported my military career) - and I retired from the USAF in Jun, 2013 with more than 30 years service.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 24 at 2015 4:24 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 16:24:35 -0400

Get out because the time is right, or because you think you've accomplished what you want to get done. Stay in because you still have things you want to do.

I got out at just after 8 because it was time. It was the right decision for me and my family. It wasn't about the outside pay or anything else. It was just the right time.

Regardless of your decision, if it's the wrong time, you'll regret it, and always wonder "what if?"

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 12:52 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 00:52:33 -0400

Ten year mark huh? Are you looking for upward mobility and might look to put in for an officer program? Are you up for E7 and board eligible? Are you happy in the Navy? You said "continue to fight on with the Navy" and that sounds like you are struggling to enjoy it. If that is the case, get out and utilize the GI Bill, get a nice VA look for any disability you might have and move on. We all have to get out at some time. Was it a goal for you to do a full 20 and receive retirement for the rest of your life? Do you enjoy taking care of your Sailor's and watching them grow? Do you wake up in the morning and think of creative ways to challenge your Sailors? Then stay in.
I'm struggling with putting my papers in now for retirement or staying another 5 years. I can retire in 11 months and I am CONSTANTLY thinking about what my family and I should do.
My best advice...weigh your pros and cons, see what is heavier and make the decision with no regrets. Everything in life is for a reason but I do know that a decision in life that is based solely on money can sometimes backfire. Good luck to you PO1 McCool!!! Oh and a bonus for staying in...you will always have your bad ass last name tagged on your uniform LOL!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 25 at 2015 9:12 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 09:12:20 -0400

Belive it or not most everyone feels the way you do at ten years. if you have found the great thing that you must do ouside the military, go for it but join the gaurd or reserves For two reasons. 1 you will miss it. After 10 years the bumbassery may have gotten to you, but you will miss the really great parts of service. 2 in 24 years I've only met two types of persons that ledt the military: those that did their twenty, and those that wish they had. Good luck on your decision!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 25 at 2015 1:13 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 13:13:35 -0400

Do yourself a favor and get out a piece of paper. On the left of the paper write GET OUT and STAY IN. Create columns from left to right the most important things you are looking for like: Retirement, Deployments, Moves, Education, Fulfilling Career and etc. Use 1's and 0's to score them. This is a systematic approach for complex decision making, and you might find out there are more criteria you have not thought about. You might find out a COA GET OUT or STAY IN is eliminated quickly because it does not satisfy an important criterion like RETIRE IN TEN YEARS, well only the Army gives you that avenue. Good luck, and I hope you understand my drivel.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 25 at 2015 1:27 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 13:27:53 -0400

Does that methodology make sense?