What did you do with your life after your ETS/retirement?

SFC Ronald Manners — Tue, 17 May 2016 22:06:38 -0400

Response by SSG Karl Fowler made May 17 at 2016 10:10 PM

SSG Karl Fowler — Tue, 17 May 2016 22:10:50 -0400

paid every body off, sat around the house for 6 months doing all of the honey dew projects and vacationed a little. Then got a part time job so I don't get lazy

Response by SFC Andrew Dowell made May 17 at 2016 10:25 PM

SFC Andrew Dowell — Tue, 17 May 2016 22:25:11 -0400

Went back to work at GM

Response by LTC Kevin B. made May 17 at 2016 10:55 PM

LTC Kevin B. — Tue, 17 May 2016 22:55:24 -0400

After my ETS? I went to college.
After my retirement? I became a professor.

Response by SGT Kyle Johnson made May 18 at 2016 12:16 AM

SGT Kyle Johnson — Wed, 18 May 2016 00:16:31 -0400

Started my own company, ran it for 10 years and sold it. Still missed the military so became a government contractor to support the troops. Enjoyed doing some training of newer soldiers in their MOS fields in Iraq and Afghanistan. They were all great! I had to hitch a ride with them across Iraq in a convoy and they really made me feel apart of their team. Hard to explain, but I knew they had my back and I had theirs if anything happened. Told their commander how proud he should be of his soldiers, they were focused and on point. Still looking for that next opportunity..

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 12:36 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 May 2016 00:36:39 -0400

Found my true self n reconnected with family n friends n live my life day to day.

Response by SSG Roger Ayscue made May 18 at 2016 12:44 AM

SSG Roger Ayscue — Wed, 18 May 2016 00:44:29 -0400

I turned my love of firearms and shooting into a second career

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 1:31 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 May 2016 01:31:14 -0400

School. Use up that G-Bill.

Response by SFC Robert Bower made May 18 at 2016 1:34 AM

SFC Robert Bower — Wed, 18 May 2016 01:34:51 -0400

I just retired so I can't really answer that. I did apply for 3 different police departments cause I sure as hell don't want to be in doors! I feel that there will be comradary there like in the Army...

Response by PO1 Brian Austin made May 18 at 2016 1:58 AM

PO1 Brian Austin — Wed, 18 May 2016 01:58:41 -0400

Became a contractor. First at SPAWAR San Diego, then in Iraq for almost 8 years. Came home seriously burnt out. Got into private security, low stress, excellent work schedule and i'm not behind a desk all day.

Response by SFC Gary Edwards made May 18 at 2016 4:42 AM

SFC Gary Edwards — Wed, 18 May 2016 04:42:07 -0400

For me, it's been a struggle. I got a job working on helicopters before I retired. My hips failed 1 year after retiring and I was unemployed wondering how I'd make ends meet. AER helped me keep my home and car, and I used the VA to go to school. I earned a BS in Information Systems with a minor in business admin. Went to work and could only find entry level or contract which really paid little. I actually earned more on SSD & VA unemployability. Gave up seeking middle management as obviously no one will give you the chance. I'm now working as an entry level IT support person. It's a pretty good company and nobody causes me stress or grief. However it used to be the stress & grief that kept me going.

Response by SFC Ethan Graves made May 18 at 2016 7:28 AM

SFC Ethan Graves — Wed, 18 May 2016 07:28:05 -0400

Got a job in construction. My biggest regret was not using my GI Bill. I had a degree prior to enlistment but I wish I had went to college to learn something that interested me.

Response by SGT David T. made May 18 at 2016 7:36 AM

SGT David T. — Wed, 18 May 2016 07:36:09 -0400

Went to college and started a civil service career.

Response by PO1 Phil Eldridge made May 18 at 2016 10:03 AM

PO1 Phil Eldridge — Wed, 18 May 2016 10:03:18 -0400

Used the GI Bill so I could get my Computer Science degree and got a temp job with Naval Criminal Investigative Service while I seek a more permanent civil service position.

Response by SFC Phillip Wiley made May 18 at 2016 11:51 AM

SFC Phillip Wiley — Wed, 18 May 2016 11:51:08 -0400

Used all my life/military experience and education and applied for a civilian equivalent job that could benefit both myself and the government. Was best 6 hour retirement of my life so far :)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 12:06 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 May 2016 12:06:52 -0400

I took all my uniforms and jacked them all up, sowed all kind of boy scout patches on them. now I walk around in them all day in hope that someone stops me. ........ please someone stop me ... please.... :)

Response by SFC Ron Mitcham made May 18 at 2016 12:34 PM

SFC Ron Mitcham — Wed, 18 May 2016 12:34:12 -0400

I went to work got the federal government and then the state government

Response by SFC Wade W. made May 18 at 2016 12:41 PM

SFC Wade W. — Wed, 18 May 2016 12:41:13 -0400

Sat around lost and angry for a few months. I was very glad to be with my family but I was disoriented. No mission, no focus and felt purposeless.
I got to work seriously looking for a job 3 months after I separated but I was overqualified for entry level and when I did apply for mid level supervisor positions I was told they hired those from within. Finally settled for driving jobs as I liked to drive.
After a few months I was promoted to trainer and then shortly after they created a new asst manager position.
I no longer work due to an unexpected health issue. I do still have days of feeling lost and having no focus in life but I believe that is because I spent so long in a mission focused arena.
I wish you nothing but good in your future endeavors and much happiness.

Response by SFC Michael Hartwig made May 18 at 2016 1:02 PM

SFC Michael Hartwig — Wed, 18 May 2016 13:02:05 -0400

I was going to find a job I enjoyed but our house burnt down shortly after retirement so I have been working on that.

Response by SSG Ron Archer made May 18 at 2016 1:10 PM

SSG Ron Archer — Wed, 18 May 2016 13:10:12 -0400

After 8 yrs of active duty service I went back to college and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree and a respectable 3.33 GPA. I served in the reserves 2 more years while attending college. The Army college fund was the best investment I ever made.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 18 at 2016 2:16 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 18 May 2016 14:16:52 -0400

Learn/practice my other craft of engineering properly so I could become licensed.

Response by SFC(P) John McLaughlin made May 18 at 2016 5:35 PM

SFC(P) John McLaughlin — Wed, 18 May 2016 17:35:27 -0400

Did some college then started working for the state as a state corrections officer

Response by SFC Henry Moreland made May 18 at 2016 5:48 PM

SFC Henry Moreland — Wed, 18 May 2016 17:48:27 -0400

Went to work at the local VA Medical Center in the call center. Burned up my GI Bill getting an MBA and proceeded to move up in the VA...

Response by SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. made May 18 at 2016 6:43 PM

SFC Dan Sorrow, M.S. — Wed, 18 May 2016 18:43:42 -0400

Working, went to school, enjoying my family!

Response by SFC Jamie Whitaker made May 18 at 2016 7:31 PM

SFC Jamie Whitaker — Wed, 18 May 2016 19:31:43 -0400

To be honest, once I got medically retired, I was kind of lost when I transitioned to the civilian world. It took me a good two years before I finally accepted the fact that I was truly out of the Army. I loved the Army and I loved my job. Sometimes I still miss the Army, but I have come to realize that once you are out you have to come up with a plan or the depression will get you. Due to my disability I cannot work, so everyday it is hard to stay focused because I think, "I'm retired, I can do it tomorrow". Well, sometimes tomorrow takes forever to get here. When you are used to having a strict schedule and routine that you follow everyday, with reprecussions if you don't stick to it, no matter your rank, being retired is totally different. You can quit when you want to, or if you are like me and cannot work, you kind of just float by. I guess what I am trying to say is, the transition is hard, you will more than likely miss it, but if you have a solid plan and stay motivated, it'll work out okay. Take it one day at a time, and don't get sucked into the Lazy-Boy. Continue to live your life, just with different goals.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made May 18 at 2016 8:59 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 18 May 2016 20:59:13 -0400

More time to do things like this

Response by TSgt Charles O'Riordan made May 18 at 2016 10:33 PM

TSgt Charles O'Riordan — Wed, 18 May 2016 22:33:23 -0400

Bought a Comedy Club

Response by MAJ Michael Pauling made May 19 at 2016 7:10 AM

MAJ Michael Pauling — Thu, 19 May 2016 07:10:48 -0400

lol I became the Beta Male and stay home and raise the kids. Ever since this change, I am the envy of all the Military Males I cross paths with because of how I get to spend time with the kids. Not only that, but in my prime, I could change a #2 diaper in under 10 seconds.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made May 19 at 2016 8:57 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 19 May 2016 20:57:54 -0400

18 Mos as a Network Analyst for H. L. Yoh contracted to Sprint for Test and Turn up of SONET Rings and Equipment, 3 1/2 years as an Employee of Sprint overseeing the Fiber Optic Network Nationally. 14 years as a MTO for Allied Barton Security Services. 10 years as Commander of VFW Post 10299 Prairie Village, KS. You know the Usual Stuff.

Response by MAJ Raúl Rovira made May 20 at 2016 1:29 AM

MAJ Raúl Rovira — Fri, 20 May 2016 01:29:45 -0400

- Selected for an Anchorage leadership program graduating next week.
- A few weeks away from finishing graduate school
- Building a house
- Started a career in financial planning for an awesome family owned firm
- Volunteering with many organizations
- Preparing for Dip Netting (must have fun)
- Assisting other transitioning service members.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Nov 23 at 2016 9:36 AM

SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM — Wed, 23 Nov 2016 09:36:24 -0500

I got life, built a resume and cover letter and joined social media and Rally point and I'm daddy of a 9 year girl who wants everything.

Response by SFC Anthony Mattek made Sep 4 at 2019 9:43 PM

SFC Anthony Mattek — Wed, 04 Sep 2019 21:43:47 -0400

I started my civilian career as a safety officer. I,do school part time working on a degree, but I have been working moving up the ladder as a occupational safety health specialist. I might look into retirement again soon though

Response by 1SG Frank Boynton made Sep 13 at 2019 11:24 PM

1SG Frank Boynton — Fri, 13 Sep 2019 23:24:26 -0400

I immediately got a full time job. A little above entry level and completed my education in earnest. I had earned an associates degree while in the Army but started attending school full time at night earning my bachelors and masters degrees. All paid for by my GI Bill and my company education assistance program. In 5 years I had completed both degrees and was ultimately promoted to a Department Manager. I will not retire until I’m 71 years old, another 6 years.