Should I get out of the Navy or Stay in?

Question

I am coming up on 7 years in the Navy, and its time for the big fork in the road, "should I stay or should I go?". My wife is currently pregnant with our first child which is due in Oct. Part of me wants to get out and go gov contracting, but the other side of me wants to finish my 13 and get my retirement pay/benefits. The upside to getting out is spending time with my wife and newborn (being there for the little moments). The downside to getting out is the unceartainty of job stability (thereby struggling to support the fam). Now the upside to staying in is the benefits for me and my fam, and retirement at an early age (41). The downside to staying in would be being away from my family 6 months at a time. So from looking at this situation which move is the right move? Advice is greatly appreciated. Side note, regardless of your view of Bush and the war please dont respond with negativity, you're entitled to your opinions that I fight for, but this is about me not Bush and the war.

Answer 1

I think you should stay in. At your age, 13 years may seem like a long time, but it will go by before you know it. You'll find a way to stay connected to your family, and they'll appreciate the sacrifice you are making for them. Being in the Navy can be an interesting career, and you'll miss it when you leave. Stay to get the retirement you deserve. Also, stay because we need you. Thanks for serving.

Also, to Robbet03, VA hospitals aren't what they used to be. They have completely turned around, and are now considered to be a model for the rest of the health care industry.

Answer 2

Well, I'm a four year navy veteran and I also was a navy wife once and here's my advice. If your family size is still growing (that's what it sounds like since your wife is expecting) you want to stay in because you'll need the financial stability and the benefits at least for a while. Maybe a few years down the road when you stop having kids and are more stable then you can get out without having to worry so much about how you are going to provide for them. As for the part about being away from them for 6 months at a time, you managed to put up with it so far, so what's a few more years as a trade off for the security of your family?

Answer 3

I am sorry that you recieved 3 or 4 smarta-- remarks from a few idiots that no nothing about the war, the military or the VA. I am the wife of a veteran who fought in 2 wars and was in 2 branches of the service. I think you should stay in. Think about the benefits you will have. I know you don't want to be away from your family for 6 mo. at a time, but you can do it and you know the benefits will be well worth it. ( I ONLY SEE MY FAMILY ABOUT EVERY 2 YEARS) For Robbit03 Veterans medical care is not free. They paid for it every day while they were serving their country!!

Answer 4

You should consider what your wife thinks about it too. It is true that you want to spend some time with your newborn and wife, but we are talking about your career. You know, money does not last enough, so if you retire now, the money you receive will not be as much as if you stay in. I know it is hard to be away from family, but sometimes it pays. If I had to give you an answer now, it would be: Stay in. I hope my answer helps you a little.

Answer 5

That question can only be answered by you. Is that job in contracting guaranteed? Is the money as good or better (I know it usually is)? Will you get the same health care? How does your wife feel? Do you like what you do? Do you believe in what you do? I think that last question is most important. If you don't believe in what you do, whether you're good at it or not, then get out, you'll only make yourself miserable by reenlisting. Ask yourself what your priorities and goals are and do what's best to fulfill them.

Consider yourself lucky though, if you're only gone for 6 months at a time you're doing better than my husband. He takes his monkeys and footballs in one-year increments. I agree that there's no replacement for being there for the "little moments" and seeing your children grow up. That will be the hardest thing for both my husband and myself when we start having kids.

Answer 6

First off let me say "Thank You" for serving our country. This is a tough decision that should be discussed seriously with your wife. Because it does affect your family as much as it does you. While civilian life seems nice from the outside. The economy is still pretty shaky no matter what you hear from the media. But since you want to go into gov. contracting you must have much experience in this area. So you are ahead of others. Like I said, this one is tough. Talk with your wife. Good luck. And again, thank you.

Answer 7

I got out of the navy about a year ago, I sure do miss it!!! got some great sea stories if you want to swap!
i had my daughter while i was in the navy, a few months after she was born i was at sea and stayed that way. I had to move her in with my parents and missed her walking first words birthday EVERYTHING
so when my next reenlistment came I just couldnt stay in as much as i loved it
you cant be a good sailor and a good parent!
try to have the baby when the navy still pays for it (expensive)

Answer 8

Check this out: you can reenlist for a few more years, you don't have to go indefinite. If you aren't sure you can land a GS position when you get out, a reenlistment might not be so bad. Remember, when it comes to your family, the most important thing for your wife and kids is stability and money to pay bills.

BUT..

If you think you can get that civil service position, and you're willing to risk really scraping to make ends meet in the event that it doesn't work out, then go for it, get out, put your paperwork in, and start job hunting.

Personally, I think after about 6-9 years, staying in, enjoying your time in service and doing the things that only the military offers, would be enough reason to stay in, but that's me. There are great GS position jobs out there for you but you have to network now. Don't wait until you are 6 months out to start trying to make connections.

Answer 9

I would stay in. I plan to join the navy after I get out of the army. My dad was in the navy for 23, and always tells me how political it is in civilian jobs. At least with a retirement cheque coming in every month, you have more options. Hope that helps.

Answer 10

Shipmate ... you are wrestling with the same monster that thousands of fine young men and women, like yourself, wrestle with every day! Only you and your wife know what is best for your family, but I suggest you sit down with your Chief and Dept. Head and talk this decision over in depth. There is no easy answer to your question. However, l would like for you to ponder the words of Plato before you make your decision. "There is no greater calling for a man than that in which he serves his fellow man". You are already a hero. Thank you for your service!

LT Rich
US Navy