| Topic Name: |
Non-traditional candidate |
| Message Name: |
Nice Post |
| Date Posted: |
03/01/2001 |
| In Reply To: |
This is in response to the anonymous question of whether "leaving the military fold is worth it".
For perspective, I should say that I was a very successful JO (in my own mind anyway). I turned down O-4 and got out last year. I'm a current top 5 MBA with a previous Comp. Sci. MS funded by the military. I'm currently the CTO of a startup as I finish my last year of school (which is a rough combination by the way). So my view may be skewed, but here it goes. Pros and cons.
PROS:
1) I'm now the master of my own fate (this one is huge).
2) My retirement pension is now in better hands (i.e. my own) and I don't lose it if I change jobs after 19 years.
3) My pay is higher (much) for an equivalent level of work.
4) The work is more fun (this one is only true because I had moved to the midgrade officer level...my JO tours kicked butt and very little in the civilian world could have compared to them).
5) My retirement medical benefits are in better hands. Don't fool yourself about military medical retirement benefits. They are WAY overrated. If you don't believe me, just ask some retirees who have tried to get service.
CONS:
1) The people. I miss the quality of the people (dedication, effort, responsibility, and loyalty) that I knew. The good news is that you can still find those qualities in the civilian sector, they just aren't as common. Also, there are a LOT of ex-mil's out here and there is a natural bond created with other ex-mil's you run into.
2) I honestly can't think of anything else. It was time for me to get out (even after 10+ years), I did, and I am extremely happy with my decision. It was tough to make that decision at the time though.
I enjoyed my military "stint" but there is no rule that says you have to do it for 20 years. It is just that many people do 20 because it is "expected" and/or "easy" and/or "safe". If there is something else you would like to do, go do it. The job market right now couldn't be much better.
Regards.
J
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| Message: |
Thanks for the pros and cons discussion...I'll see you on the outside
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