Any prior military? Debating staying in or getting out?

Looking for real world experiences and others prospective. Get out or stay in?

I've been in 7 years. Currently on shore duty. E-6. Negotiating orders now to go back to sea and have really been thinking about just calling it quits and doing something else. Wife supports either decision. I'm an electrician, and have a bullshit Applied science degree (only an associates.

Thinking about doing something completely different. Go back to school and start enjoying life more than the military allows.

Main concern is I'm 30 and now have 3 kids and I don't want to be away as much as I have been.

Financially I'm not worried. My wife makes great money. Plenty saved up and also have equity in 2 homes. I'm confident that I can succeed at any job that I apply my self to.

I could "retire" in 13 years. I've advanced quick, so I would only be making more money for foreseeable future.

Those of you that have made the decision.. what did you decide and why?

man....I say you get out. And I say that because you have kids. They need their father...

For one, thank you for your service.

Logistically speaking I think staying in is a better long term decision for your family. Benefits, retirement, and all that goes along with that. While you'd get out now with some form of benefits, there's nothing better than retiring from the military (as I've seen).

Emotionally and physically, getting out is a better choice. You can destress, spend time with your family, enjoy new opportunities, leverage your military experience into a new field/current field in civilian territory.

Overall, my one piece of advice that I hear from so many retired/veterans is if you get out, have a plan and a job waiting for you. Your wife might make good money now, but there are no guarantees in life and having your own form of security is important.

IronSnake said:

For one, thank you for your service.

Logistically speaking I think staying in is a better long term decision for your family. Benefits, retirement, and all that goes along with that. While you'd get out now with some form of benefits, there's nothing better than retiring from the military (as I've seen).

Emotionally and physically, getting out is a better choice. You can destress, spend time with your family, enjoy new opportunities, leverage your military experience into a new field/current field in civilian territory.

Overall, my one piece of advice that I hear from so many retired/veterans is if you get out, have a plan and a job waiting for you. Your wife might make good money now, but there are no guarantees in life and having your own form of security is important.

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I appreciate that.

I've heard that a million times as well. If I do decide to get out, I would be able to extend my contract until the end of my shore duty to give me a little more time to prepare (AUG18 vice Mar18).

I plan to be well prepared if I do make that decision. The worst part is I have always planned just to do the 20, but over the last month I've just had a change of heart. I wish I would have gave myself a little more time instead of having these crazy thoughts with under a year left.

I just hit 18 years (USMC), and I have had this discussion with myself and my family quite a few times. Obviously, I have decided to stay in just so I can have the retirement and health insurance for myself and my family.

I would look into a program that would send you to school to finish your degree, then commission as an officer. You should be able to go full time to any school you choose that has an ROTC program. The time spent there will count as active duty time. Put 10 years in after that (with more pay) and collect an even better retirement.

Did almost 6, got out, sampled the other side of the fence for 16 months, went back in & finished up my 20. ( Navy - MRC )
What worked for me may not work for you,....life is a " hands on " experience.
Good luck with your decision !!

Going back to sea is a major sacrifice, especially with a family. If you are now doing shore duty at Mayport, start talking to Contractors and Govt Reps (SIMA) about jobs that are available. I got out after 4 years and worked for the Dept of the Navy for 33 more years. They paid for my education and provided me with the opportunity to retire comfortably at an early age. Whatever you decide to do, charge hard and make the most of it. Thank you for your service.

Now is the time to get out, once you hit the 10 year point, it becomes much tougher to separate.

If you want to leave, do it. Life is too short to always make the most calculated decision. You will need to find a way to apply yourself outside of the military, that will be your biggest challenge, as it is for anyone that decides to change career paths. Luckily, there are great veteran programs that may help and you have training that may be applied to a new job.
Another option to consider is joining a reserve or national guard unit as "Active Guard Reserve" or as a "dual status technician". There are differences between the two, but they provide a military career path that is much more family friendly. Personally, I would look at getting a job with the Air Force in that capacity. Often times, if your job is somewhat relative... you can apply for those jobs. For example if you did electrical work on boats, you might be able to apply for an electrician job on planes... if you are willing to retrain.
As an AGR you get all the benefits and retirement of active duty but the cost of being a full time reservist. As a dual status technician, you essentially work as a government employee with special provisions to also work as a reservist, pay varies by position. I think an electrician is around 35$ an hour.

Either way, you aren't at 15 years, it isn't a hard decision... if it is making you unhappy, change something.

i'd stay and make it up to the grand kids... not saying i would take a field job, but i would still try to stay..

As a few others have said - at least finish your bachelors degree before you get out. As far as the which direction longterm that's only something you and your wife can decide. IMO if you have a solid marriage and the kids are in a good place in their lives stay in and get that retirement. Obviously the longer you stay the more you get in retirement.

For me it wasn't so much when it wasn't fun anymore - any occupation or vocation has it's ups and downs. For me it was just not having tolerance for the day to day minutia - the formations, inspections, (I was actually an inspector towards the end lol) the Monday am which Lcpl screwed up and how bad is it - and how mad is the CO/SMAJ about it. Going to the field all the time. Just got old so I punched out. IMO when you get to that point it's time to do something else.

I've been thinking and wondering the same thing man I haven't really been enjoying what I do anymore and overall feel apathetic. Just about the same boat except il be a little past 8 at eaos that and I'm single. I've had a couple friends get out and love it. All of em so far have said they miss certain things about it but overall are more happy. I tried getting out at 5 but about 90 days prior realized I had a shit plan that was built on sand and reuped last minute. From that I would say if you are seriously considering it then don't just talk about a plan make one.


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I was an AE in the Navy (hoo-yah). I didn't read anyone's response here. If you get out make sure you have a plan. If you want to be an electrician your going to start from the bottom which means you might be making $10 an hour or when you graduate from school you also start at the bottom so maybe you find a job making like mid $30's a year. You have to think about that. Depending on where you will be its hard to find a job. When I first got out I couldn't find a job for months and every job I found wanted to pay me $10 an hour or less. And I already had a bachelors degree. I would say stay in and do your 20 and retire, because you will regret it if you don't. I have been out for 4 years this month.

I say take your skills and move on to a new job. You've served your country honorably and the public doesn't expect you to stay in for 20.

Your value is so much higher in the civilian market if you have the passion, grit and ability to convert your military skills into marketable civilian skills.

I got out 7 years ago after serving 7 years and since I got out things have only gotten for me.

Good luck. Thanks for your service.


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I've been in 24 years, made MCPO in 16 years, cost me a marriage. I wish I would have spent more time with my kids. If you're finiacally secure, I say roll. There is a lot of contractor jobs that will hold you over until federal employment is an option, if you choose that. 30 years old is the sweat spot in life, take advantage.

I rolled after 4 years. Im much happier, work less, see my family more, and make more money. It really just depends on your situation. I would leave now though, job market is amazing. Good luck.

Tom's_03SVT said:

I've been in 24 years, made MCPO in 16 years, cost me a marriage. I wish I would have spent more time with my kids. If you're finiacally secure, I say roll. There is a lot of contractor jobs that will hold you over until federal employment is an option, if you choose that. 30 years old is the sweat spot in life, take advantage.

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****, I agree with this man, got out in 2010 serving from 2006. @ 33 I reached my goal of owning a Viper. I got it before I turned 33.
I had my car in Laguna Seca last saturday and another Marine asked me if I was in because of my license plate frame. I told him I was, 06-10, got out, had a shitty job for about 2 years then got lucky and lucky again. I also dont have kids, dont plan to till im probably in my late 30s.

My brothers friend is an electrician, they make bank. Get out and make more.

Serpent said:

****, I agree with this man, got out in 2010 serving from 2006. @ 33 I reached my goal of owning a Viper. I got it before I turned 33.
I had my car in Laguna Seca last saturday and another Marine asked me if I was in because of my license plate frame. I told him I was, 06-10, got out, had a shitty job for about 2 years then got lucky and lucky again. I also dont have kids, dont plan to till im probably in my late 30s.

My brothers friend is an electrician, they make bank. Get out and make more.

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How my time went after I got out in 2010 when the job market sucked.


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Ask yourself a few questions first:

Why did you join in the first place?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Are you taking advantage of all of the great opportunities the service has to offer? Setting yourself up for success after you decide to retire or leave.

Lastly, remember the grass is not always greener...

Whatever you decide, good luck!

silver srt 8 said:

Ask yourself a few questions first:

Why did you join in the first place?
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Are you taking advantage of all of the great opportunities the service has to offer? Setting yourself up for success after you decide to retire or leave.

Lastly, remember the grass is not always greener...

Whatever you decide, good luck!

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Getting called in on a Saturday or Sunday at 5am for mandatory fun runs or DUI or ARI's will always make the grass greener in my view.


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