When is it time to walk away?

2014-06-06T03:24:36-04:00

after almost 10 years in I have found myself numb, bored and longing for a sense of normal. however, I have a little longer to fufill my contract. At my EOAS I will have almost 13 years in. At this time I lack the drive to continue do to the decreased time with my kids and wife and the increased tempo and collective micro managment. But with 7 years from retirment it still doesn't seem worth the cost. what do you all think in simular situations? Retire or Walk away?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 4:07 AM

2014-06-06T04:07:36-04:00

This is a very difficult decision and one that only you can make. The best advice I can give is to be true to yourself and do what makes you happy. You only get one life, make sure you live it to the fullest. While it may seem a waste to leave when so close to retirement, is it truly a waste if you move on to something that allows to become closer to your family and be happier in what you do? I'm a big advocate for staying in and finishing out till retirement, but I'm also pragmatic about it. If you can no longer do the job with some level of enjoyment and fulfillment, then it may be time to step away. Pray on it, ask for wisdom to see the right choice. Discuss it with your spouse and in the end if you choose to leave, be sure you have a plan on "what's next".

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 6 at 2014 5:16 AM

2014-06-06T05:16:00-04:00

My brother in law walked away at right around 13 years and has been kicking himself since then. He didn't like being in the military anymore, but then found out when he went civilian that that job was even worse.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 7 at 2014 2:11 PM

2014-06-07T14:11:47-04:00

Stay the course, if possible. One of my biggest regrets was getting out too soon. I would have been retired right now. As opposed to being a slave to the grind while working for a retirement.
Good luck, bro!

Response by GySgt Joe Strong made Jun 18 at 2014 12:59 PM

2014-06-18T12:59:15-04:00

Do you still have potential to realize? Is there upward mobility you can attain?
Are you simply comfortable and can afford to be a little bored? If the answer to the previous questions are yes, then stay, perhaps revitalize your attitude, but stay.

The only people I've ever met who were happy they got out after 10 were those who probably never should have gone in in the first place, and those who were drawing a disability check of some kind related to their service. EVERYONE else I have met who got out after 10 wishes they had stayed and finished it out. I'm not saying there aren't any who were happy to get out, I've just never met any.

Yes the Civilian grass looks greener, but trust me, it hides some Cow pies. And those Cow pies won't be nearly as annoying with that retirement check supplementing your Civilian Career choices, or even by making it possible to do what you choose to do at a lower pay scale, because of the Retirement check supplementing your income.

On that note, take the next 7 years and figure out what you want to do after you get out and try as many avenues as possible to let the Military pay for your training, even transfer into that job skill if you can - walk out the door with a resume that fits that job you want to get out of the Military to do. Don't look at it like you are just burning 7 years, you are preparing for the next 25-30 Non-Military work years.

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Jun 27 at 2014 4:00 PM

2014-06-27T16:00:57-04:00

When the reason you are here is only for the paycheck! Seriously, when you lose the heart and are no longer having fun or receiving the satisfaction of serving, it is time to go find what you need to carry your life forward. Many of us get tired of the orders, formations, hurry up and wait, but they all have stories and limits to one's self. Only you know when it is time.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Jun 27 at 2014 4:13 PM

2014-06-27T16:13:09-04:00

PO2 Private RallyPoint Member, with 13 in and only 7 to go it would be a shame to walk away. Is there anyway for you to change your MOS/specialty or find a better duty station, something that would inspire you and your family to keep going. I hit that point at 12 where I questioned what I wanted to do. I can't say the last 8 were only for the money, because we got deployed. I made rank and worked with a great team of individuals. Knowing that that retirement will (hopefully) still be there in 14+ years waiting for me is a sense of security

Bottom line, though, it has to be in your heart. I do hope you come to the decision that is best for you and your family, but please weigh al the options first, talk to career councilors and advisors and get all the facts. Thanks for your service and good luck.

Response by SGT Kevin Adams made Jun 27 at 2014 4:17 PM

2014-06-27T16:17:16-04:00

While looking through the comments made during this discussion I haven't seen anyone talk about guard or reserve. At already the half way hump I wouldn't get out of the service. Okay yes I know that you won't get as much in retirement as you would staying active but at least you still get a retirement and also you don't have to deal with the op tempo of an active unit.

Response by Sgt Randy Hill made Jun 27 at 2014 4:36 PM

2014-06-27T16:36:51-04:00

I hear you. Find a way to reenergize your career and do the 7 years. The extra retirement benny's are still worth it to you and your family. Is career field cross training an option? anything to rekindle the spirit and not quitting.

Response by LTC Paul Labrador made Jun 27 at 2014 4:41 PM

2014-06-27T16:41:29-04:00

The advice I give to all of my subordinates is this: When you no longer enjoy what you do, it's time to walk away. You're just going to have to weigh whether getting to 20 is worth the pain of getting there.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made Jun 27 at 2014 5:39 PM

2014-06-27T17:39:37-04:00

As I was told by my first mentor after he announced his retirement; "When it's your time (to go), you'll know." That's the best advise I can give you. No one else is in your same situation or place in life. We can all say what we 'think' we would do in a similar situation, but we aren't in YOUR situation. Sit down and have a long talk with the wife, give yourselves time to reflect on the discussion and have another talk (after a few days or weeks even). I wish you the best whatever you decide.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 27 at 2014 9:04 PM

2014-06-27T21:04:39-04:00

Question? Are active duty.? If so, think of a couple of options. 1. Go RESERVE or NG. In addition you go for a gov't job and buy back your time and retire from both job at the same time. Short term you may be frustrated. Think long term for your family. Plus you still connect with that comradary. In spite of what I say, "FAMILY FIRST" find and follow your passion and run with it. Life will take care of the rest.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 15 at 2014 10:21 PM

2014-10-15T22:21:38-04:00

Kenny Rogers knows.

Response by PO1 Ted Woitazek made Jan 28 at 2020 6:49 AM

2020-01-28T06:49:33-05:00

Go reserves