Posted on Dec 25, 2019
What advice do you have for someone deciding between getting out or staying in the military?
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I am going back and forth on the topic of getting out or staying in. I don't regret joining but I feel as though my life is on hold and I am not quite sure what to do. I am worried that if I get out, I may not be able to support my family, but also I can't keep feeling like every single day my life passes me by. Anyone that has gotten out, do you have any tips or anything? Any tips or help is appreciated. Thanks.
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Posted 5 y ago
Responses: 26
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I thought I was going to get out back in '11. Had a plan, wife was on board. I took my ETS packet to S1 they printed off and handed me my orders. ETS orders in my hand, it didnt feel right and I threw them away and went to retention.
But if you feel like you are wasting your life then this isnt the job for you, and theres nothing wrong with that. Either choice will have hardships, you have to decide with your family which hardships you'd rather face. Good luck.
But if you feel like you are wasting your life then this isnt the job for you, and theres nothing wrong with that. Either choice will have hardships, you have to decide with your family which hardships you'd rather face. Good luck.
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Have a plan. If you don't have a plan, this may not be the best time to get out. Possibly save up some money and or change jobs to something you can do on the outside. There has never been better opportunities in industry but if you're not ready to miss a few paychecks you had better have a plan on how to avoid missing them.
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SPC (Join to see)
Thank you sir I will most definitely look into the outside more than I have and see what is available to set up a plan thank you again sir!
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LTC Jason Mackay
SPC (Join to see) - I second what LTC (Join to see) says. Either way have a plan. "Going to college" is not a plan, it's a piece of a plan. The financial piece is huge, especially with a family. Curious, why do you feel that your life is passing you by? What specifically would you be doing? If you can answer this in detail, then honorably completing your service may be a good choice. If you can't, you need to leave your foot on the bag for now.
I understand your frustration, you just need to be deliberate in how you proceed. You need to set conditions for your exit to protect you and your family. Also, you don't want to jump on "something" and be even more miserable on the outside. That door will slam behind you. It will take effort to get back in....you need to read some of those posts. Tag is RE Code.
I understand your frustration, you just need to be deliberate in how you proceed. You need to set conditions for your exit to protect you and your family. Also, you don't want to jump on "something" and be even more miserable on the outside. That door will slam behind you. It will take effort to get back in....you need to read some of those posts. Tag is RE Code.
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I will assume this is your first enlistment, therefore the feeling.
What you are experiencing is nothing new and you are not the exception. Been in the service is a non-traditional way of life which requires sacrifices not done but only a few exceptional members of our society. So please don’t feel bad about it.
My advice is to sit down with your significant other and be honest on how you feel. Been in the military is a team effort when there is a family involved, make them part of your decision. Try to find the root of why you feel like your life is on hold, where do you see yourself in 10-15 years from now, and how to achieve it. See, now you have me thinking about Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)! All good!!!!!!!
Perhaps a different MOS. Many successful service members began their careers as combat arms an later reclassed into a technical or logistics field... you know, for when the have to take their uniform off for good!
My personal experiences: I ETAsd and couldn’t stand been outside. Went to school, got commissioned, and retired. It o didn’t have a family to support but only my wife, which made it easier for both work and school.
Recapitulating. Talk with your spouse, look at options and war game them. Be realistic about it. Talk with your leadership or another service member with a similar situation as you. Perhaps your career counselor to see what re-enlistment options are available and/or if your window is not open explore other MOS and their requirements. If the later, talk with those on the field and ask them.
Best of lucks on your future endeavors!
What you are experiencing is nothing new and you are not the exception. Been in the service is a non-traditional way of life which requires sacrifices not done but only a few exceptional members of our society. So please don’t feel bad about it.
My advice is to sit down with your significant other and be honest on how you feel. Been in the military is a team effort when there is a family involved, make them part of your decision. Try to find the root of why you feel like your life is on hold, where do you see yourself in 10-15 years from now, and how to achieve it. See, now you have me thinking about Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)! All good!!!!!!!
Perhaps a different MOS. Many successful service members began their careers as combat arms an later reclassed into a technical or logistics field... you know, for when the have to take their uniform off for good!
My personal experiences: I ETAsd and couldn’t stand been outside. Went to school, got commissioned, and retired. It o didn’t have a family to support but only my wife, which made it easier for both work and school.
Recapitulating. Talk with your spouse, look at options and war game them. Be realistic about it. Talk with your leadership or another service member with a similar situation as you. Perhaps your career counselor to see what re-enlistment options are available and/or if your window is not open explore other MOS and their requirements. If the later, talk with those on the field and ask them.
Best of lucks on your future endeavors!
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SPC (Join to see)
Thank you Sir! I will definitely look into those. Thank you for the reassurance sir
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