Looking for perspective on separating
Posted on
I am currently a 37 y/o E4 with line number for E5. I enlisted late in life after following my military spouse around the globe. We have 3 kids and he retires in 2021.
I am in an administrative field and enjoy this kind of work. I have been approved for retraining into a similar career field. I have been very successful in my short time in the military and am thankful for everything that it has provided.
I can't shake the feeling of wanting to be a civilian. Wanting to be known by my first name and not a rank. I want to settle down somewhere and not move again. The places we've been fortunate to move to have been a blessing, but I'm ready to make some roots somewhere.
I feel I'm stuck in the idea of regretting separating and that the grass is not all that greener on the other side. For those who have separated, what were your biggest struggles? I need about 5 more years of military/government employment to have my student loans forgiven.
At this late stage in life, I need a plan for retirement- a pension/nest egg. If I get out, the next best option is GS or Federal employment. I have heard that Federal employment is quite competitive and challenging to get into. I have built my TSP well for 5 years of government employment (2 years working for State Department while overseas as an EFM). I have a Bachelors, Masters, and CCAF. My work history is in logistics, patient care, patient administration, and HR.
The safe button is to fullfill my 20 years AD. Full coverage healthcare for the entire family. Although, approx. $450/yr for family coverage on Tricare retiree is a steal. But the culture is hard for me to swallow and I don't agree with the promotion system amongst other things.
Those who have separated, did you regret it? For those who entered the Federal service, what was your biggest challenge?
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