I have a year left int he Navy, what do I do now?

Question

I've save quit enough during my 3 years in the navy and currently have no debt. No wife, kids or girlfriend for now so I'm wondering is it time to get out of the navy? If I get out, I can get a degree in 2 years max since i already have college credits. And I have marketable skills to find a part time job if I chose to get out and go to college. But if I do get out, I feel like I'll miss the friends, the traveling, the stable pay check, the parties, and the sense of doing something that matters. Shoul I stay, get out or retired at 42 meanig 17 years left?

Answer 1

Well, by now, you should have some idea what you want to do for the rest of your life.

You didn't mention it in your question though.

Staying in the navy just to have a steady paycheck and because your used to it, isn't really a good reason to stay.

But getting out of the navy, without a plan, isn't a good decision either.

So you have some thinking to do.

If you got out of the navy, why would you get out ?
What job would you want to do ?
Would you want to do that for the next 40 years ?
If you had a college degree, what job would you want?

If you stay in the navy, what are your plans ?
Do you like the job you are doing?
Would you want to change rates?
What would your goals be ?

Im assuming your probally around 20 or 21 years old right now, probally just made Petty Officer 3rd Class.

So navy life is about to change, even if you stay in.

From now on, you will have more responsibility, and that responsibility will keep increasing.

So it all come down, to where do you see yourself or want to see yourself in another 5 years, 10 years, 15 years.

Only you can make that decision.

In my case, it wasn't really a decision at all, I knew I was going to get out and get my engineering degree from my 2nd year onward. So everything I did from that point on, was to help myself with that goal in mind.

And thats what you need to decide now, what your goal is, then do everything you can do, to achieve that goal.

Whether thats to reenlist and stay in the navy another 26 years.

Get out and get a university degree.

Or get out and use your job skills.

Or the 4th choice, reenlist for another 4 years, and use that time to figure out what you want to do.

But just remember, once you reenlist once, the decision becomes much more complicated the 2nd time around, bacuse of the investment you have already made in the Navy.

Answer 2

Be brave. Keep friendships going with email (No, it won't be the same), have faith the stable work you've been doing will make a stable paycheck likely. You're not too lazy to work part time and study. Ask more questions about work with travel, or work at something one place a while then change cities or travel on holidays. I've gone as much as a year without good friends in a new city or country, a time to increase self reliance. What matters now is to continue to develop your abilities to contribute to the general good (which includes your own happiness). At 42 the same situation would arise. Don't do what people often do and limit your personal potential by opting for security. You can go anywhere and do anything, but the price is often (temporary!) loneliness or limited funds. What would you love to do to earn a living? Where would you love to live or travel to on holidays? A person like you will get work and friends. Be brave. Life IS a party. Just not every day. Best of luck!

Answer 3

My advice to you would be .....Stay in...Retire from the Navy. My husband is a Marine and he will retire at 37 with more than enough time to get a second career and retire from that.. An added bonus if you retire fromm the military is medical. Of course not everything is perfect but if you stay near a military facility you will have an easier time finding docs that accept Tricare. My Grandfather retired from the Navy at 40 and had a second career. After retiring from that he and my Grandmother never ever had to worry about money!!!!!!!

Answer 4

I am sure of all the differences but my boyfriends father retired from the army that he was in for 28 years. Viet Nam vet, purple heart. He gets 2,800 monthly at retired plus delivers flowers for a living. My boyfriend spent 4 years during the gulf war and went to college and makes that times 3 a month. I respect all military, just depends on who you are.

Answer 5

Think about what will make your life the happiest and most
full filling. If your planing on having a family, then your probably smarter to get out, get the degree, find a wonderful girl as your life time mate, and let the good times roll.

Answer 6

After the Navy hitch, you could take your career one step further and enlist in the United States Marine Corps for a full term, not exactly what you want to hear, but actually the best advise anyone can ever get.

Thanks,

Answer 7

I'd re-enlist. You'll only be 42 you'll have a pension from the Navy. You can work as civilian for another 20 or so years and maybe pick up another pension plus Social Security. I'd stay in.

Answer 8

making decisions are a lot harder when you've got lots of options, isn't it?

from what you wrote, it seems as though you are in your element with the Navy and the work you do is meaningful. THAT is important.

whatever you decide, just make sure you are working towards something you are passionate about - especially if you decide to complete your education.

good luck in anything & everything you do!

Answer 9

This is such a huge decision especially in these times. I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to say in response to your question but all of the sudden it became too personal. This is your life and your choices are yours. Talk to family. Maybe they can guide you. But do whats in your heart. Thank you for serving

Answer 10

I got out a few months ago, great at first now I am trying to get back in. I miss the same stuff you do.