Know When to Leave

Dear Dave,

I'm 25 years old and have served in the military for seven years. I'm not sure I like what I'm doing as much as I did a few years ago, plus I've had some pretty exciting opportunities come my way in another field. Do you think it would be worth it to stay in for another 13 years just to get full retirement benefits?

Wayne

Dear Wayne,

It's really simple. If you love it, stay in. If you don't love it, get out. Serving in the armed forces is voluntary in this country. In a sense, that makes it a lot like other jobs. Thirteen years is a long time to hold your nose and walk through a briar patch. If you're not excited anymore by what you're doing, then it's time to find another line of work.

There are people who absolutely love the military. It makes a great career for some folks, and I think that's awesome. God bless them for serving their country that way. But whether you're in the military or a civilian, I think you should do what you love. If you were just a few months away from retirement, I might tell you to ride this thing out. But hanging around for years in a job you don't like just to collect benefits is not a good plan!

- Dave

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When in leave

Louise in Las Vegas, NV

There are 2 sides to your question. My husband retired after 21 years of AF service. It was somewhat hard to find a job at his age. However, there was the retirement pay that kept us going until a regular job was forthcoming. If you have training in a field of demand, leaving the military may be alright for you.