After six years, and three away from home, should I stick with the Army? I hear people regret getting out.?

ok well there are some questions you need to ask yourself, what are the benefits and the flaw to what you are doing, do you enjoy it enough that you could spend your life doing it? How often do you see your family, do you find yourself missing them too much when you are away? Look a bit into your future do you thing you will be happier staying the way things are or do you have some other dream that you see yourself trying to accomplish in the future? Do you think that this is a false sense of security or the real deal? All these questions are things you need to ask yourself before you make any decisions, these are life altering decisions and consider them to the fullest, good luck!!!

It really depends. When you joined the Army what was the motive? Did you get what you wanted out of them? Like a degree for example. Or technical ability? See when I was in the Navy (2003 to 2006) I got a degree in biz admin/ and technical exp. that helped me get a great job today. Now I own a construction company and work as an Industrial Electronics Tech on the side. And I'm making more then what I was making as a E-5. On the other hand. Things have changed back home since you have been gone. The people are still stuck doing nothing but no just on a grander scale. Like high school partying moves to college frats with lots more alcohol and way less intelligence. In short. Make sure you have something to come back to and make sure you are bringing stuff with you. Good Luck.

Deo

My best advice is: Don't weigh out the pro's & con's of other people's experiences. If you like your job & being in the Army, then you should stay. While some people get out, there are also some people that make it a career & stay in it till retirement. You should base your decision on what makes you happy & satisfied being in the Army. It's true that it's good b/c of the security & benefits (I understand what you mean b/c I am a Military Spouse), but anyway....you said it helps take care of your family too :) which is a good thing. I would say, do you what you enjoy, do what you like, do what will make you happy. If staying in the Army will do that, then go for it!

If you are pretty happy with it then stick with it. You have to take a lot of things into account though.

Is there a strong chance you are going to get sent into harm's way? If so, that can be very tough on a family.

The benefits are awesome when you have a family though. If you plan on having children delivery, labor etc... is all covered by the military if you are at a military hospital. Stuff adds up. If you have a family member with medical problems who needs to see the doctor a lot or needs lots of medications those things can add up.

No matter where you go more than likely bosses will mess with you.

It also depends on what kind of job you could get if you get out. Will you be able to earn as much money and what would the benefits be like. What about the cost of living of where you would have to go to get a job is it affordable??

Discuss it with your family and then make a list of pro's and cons only you and your family will know what is best.

My husband is retired Air Force and I am sure glad he stuck it out. Now he is a civilian working on bringing home a second retirement check.

Somewhat of a two way street, I hear alot of people who served in the Army and the other branches have had any problem getting a good job, and adjusting to normal life after getting out.

One question I would ask did you learn any sort of trades while you were in the army that you could tranfer to a normal way of life. Like maybe computer, or anything that could help you get a good job and not some crap job and end up living on the street

I'm a recruiter for the Army National Guard (E-5) let me tell you we have sooooo many people walk into this office with 6-8 or even 10 years in that got out cause of one bad experience. If you like it and you can handle it stay in or come to the reserves. Only 2 people get out of the Army those that come back in and those that wish they had.

we have 3 more years to go till retirement and have 2 guys in the unit that got out for a few years and ended up getting back in so their families could be better taken care of...From teir point of view, you should stay in, but only you can know what to do with your own career.. some MOS's are great when it comes to civ. job opportunities others, like Field artillery really don't mean sqaud in the civilian world, ask yourself if you can get a job with the same healthcare, etc, making about the same if you get out, hopefully loads more(which all of us know, is NOT hard to do!)

Basically weigh all your options and talk to your spouse about it.That part is very important! Check with transitions, to see what type of job they could put you into...In any Case, good luck and know there are no wrong decisions just learning experiences.

Sincerely, Nana W., proud spouse and FRG leader

Go Red Dawgs

All my teenagers are 2 yrs aside and that i've got 4 - so with #3, I had a 4 year previous, a 2 year previous and a newborn! it truly is busy and it truly is the biggest maximum dramatic substitute - using fact immediately, it truly is such as you have run out of adequate palms! optimistically, you have yours the place they pay attention nicely and can assist you to get diapers, wipes, burp cloths in case you desire help. My grandmother had 6 toddlers, particularly close in age. She pronounced the biggest transition is going from 2 to 3. After that, she pronounced it truly is not substantial - the father and mom are outnumbered! I agree! I even have 4, my sis in regulation has 3 - i think of we've carried out wonderful! you will substitute into very prepared and that they could all take naps - which permits you a smash. you're able to do it! terrific needs!

They always say at your 6 year or 7 year point....you have to make the big decision....because at 10 your half way.

Did you get training that you can use in the outside, are you able to go GS and get paid more for what you do?

The only advice is if you plan on getting out have something lined up before you get out and remember Health insurance is expensive if you have a family....do your math figure health insurance, rent, electric, gas, garbage pick up, car payment, car insurance and shopping on the economy.(taxes included)

lol you have the famous surcharge however the taxes add up.

We loved the military, the moving and the honor of serving our country. Yes, we do miss it...however we are now GS...and still around ...:O)

Sticking it out is worth it...however if you are married...it should be a joint decision...I have seen it go both ways...hard to get a job and make it with a family after having a steady job and I have seen the spouse ticked that the hubby /wife re-up

Best wishes and by the way....THANK YOU FOR SERVING OUR COUNTRY!

I was in the Army too. 7 years total. I enjoyed it a lot. I got out and found out i had to go back to school it be a medic all over again. I don't regret getting out, but i wish i took more classes. I make alot more money now. You know what to do...good luck