When is the right time to "Pull the plug" and start another phase in life?

Only you can answer that question.

When I was young NCO, I'd ask that question of senior NCOs approaching retirement. They said, "You'll know when it's time...." For years I enjoyed myself, never calling my service a career, but my hobby.

Finally, in 2010, I changed positions hoping to be selected for Sergeant Major. The command climate turned out to be toxic and I lost my zest to continue serving. The command team led by fear and treated everyone like Privates. When I submitted my paperwork for retirement I couldn't get out fast enough.

Like I said in the beginning, "Only you can answer that question."

The right time is SO individual in nature....the time is right when it is right. Only the individual can make that determination. My wife always asked when we were younger "when are you going to get out of the military?". My answer was always the same..... "I will know it is time when it is time".....she never understood that answer....until recently. She looked at me one day and stated "you aren't having as much fun with it anymore are you?" I had to reply "you are correct....it is time" And thus began my retirement planning. It will have to be a personal choice, and only that person can make the final decision.

In my case it has always been external circumstances that forced the issue.

CSM (Join to see) - I recently met a retired CSM from Ranger Batt, who I became friends with. He spent 31 years on active duty and the brunt of it in Ranger Batt. We were talking about this same thing - as i'm closing in on 19 years of service and I had the question for him "How did you know it was time?". His response was simple - "You'll know it when your body tells you it's time and you can't hang with the hooahs any more on the runs or during PT"...which ultimately led to him stating "it's not fun anymore when that happens". He's a great person and I'm glad I had the privilege of meeting him and now calling him a friend.

When your gut tells you it is time to move on, then chances are it is probably time to move one.

CSM (Join to see)
You'll know when you're ready! That and/or your family, if you have one, will let you know it's time to "retire and get a real job..."