Thoughts about Retiring

As of today I have 60 and a wake-up until I start my terminal leave. My actual retirement date is April 1 (yea I know...April Fools Day).

When I first went in the Army in 1984 (for what I thought would only be three years) I would look at my Platoon Sergeant and ask myself, how can anyone do this for 20 or more years. Now I am that old guy that the younger Soldiers are looking at and asking themselves the same thing.

Anyway, I thought I would feel different as I got closer but it is kinda strange. Somedays I'm upbeat and can't wait and other days it is almost depressing to think my days in uniform are numbered. I'm not sure how I will feel when I wake up on April 1st and it is over. I think it is going to hit me pretty hard.

I know there are quite a few retired men and women on here. How did you feel and how did you deal with it? What was the biggest adjustment?
I'm just curious if it is just me or does everyone feel the same?

 

I dunno, I have 11 months until I retire....I can't wait

 

Wait until you get closer...

The best part is almost every week someone is throwing me a retirement party. Free beer is always good

 

Well, I didn't retire... but I served... Biggest thing I'd say is save some loot (just in case). And congrats on your retirement!

 

My dad took it really hard at first when he retired after 20. He would sweep the garage, change oil on the cars, do stuff around the house. Then he caught himself painting the a/c units and the mailbox and told himself he needed a new hobby. So he partnered with a friend and started up some restaurants then sold his share after it took off. Then bought an rv and some cars to restore. It'll work out. Find something your interested in doing that you haven't yet done.

 

HOORAY FREE BEER.

Sorry...That part caught my eye. I've still got a while before I can think about it- I'm sure it'll take you some getting used to- but you've earned it old man....Enjoy it!!

 

Well Ill tell you this my dad was drafted at 18 and he is 63 now and just retired from the army a few months ago and now he has since gone back to work because he could not stand to be home all the time.

 

Yea.. Well Start the Countdown

I got
15 Years-9 Months-23 Days till Retirement (5776 Days)
*5 Years-9Months-23 Days on this Enlistment.

 

Well, I didn't retire from the military, but I retired after 34 years of PA State service (it can be like being in the military at times!). I was lucky because if you work in the Dept. of Corrections you can retire at age 50. I didn't retire right away but then my Dad got ill and I retired to spend more time with him.
I can honestly say I don't miss the stress and grind of the job for one minute. I have several friends I still keep in touch with and every time they start talking about policy changes, administration changes, etc. I can feel my blood pressure go up! I 'm really glad I got out when I did.
I am taking college courses. I received my Associates Degree in Social Science in May 2008 and am currently working on my Associates Degree in Criminal Justice. Maybe some day I'll be able to find a job that blends those two interests. If not, I still have the knowledge.
I enjoy being able to spend more time doing things I like to do like bike riding, kayaking, going on vacations, etc without having to cram it all into my two days off.
Sure, it will be strange at first, but hopefully you'll get into a whole new routine and enjoy it. Good luck to you and thanks for your many years of service.

 

Still miss the Air Force and sometimes I wish I could go back. However, after retirement, I went back to college and got a Bachelor of Science degree in Secondary Education as a science teacher. I have since gotten an endorsement to teach computer applications. I would suggest you get in touch with the Troops-to_Teachers organization. They will help pay for classes for you to become a certified teacher in whatever state you desire to teach in, if that's for you. Many schools in the U.S. are looking for qualified teachers, and as a retired military member, your contributions to future students is invaluable. The pay's not that great, but you can make a solid living with that and your retirement.

 

I start my terminal in Mar 2010, I go back and forth all the time every day it seems like.

 

I've been unemployed for 2 months so far. Its driving me crazy. The house is squeaky-clean and the cars have 2-3 coats of wax on them. But if I were retired and had a steady retirement income, I'd probably buy a few old cars to restore and do a lot of traveling across the country.

 

I would like to stay in construction but Im open to most anything. It really is nice not to have to worry with a check coming in every month. All the people who told me I was crazy for joining 20+ years ago cant believe the deal I got now. I try and tell some of the young guys its not a bad deal. One day they will know. Save some cash up, keep your bills low and have a blast when you retire.

 

It actually not about being bored or anything afterwards. I already have a Federal Job lined up, plus I'm registered for school.

It's just the fact that one day I'll be taking off the uniform for good and I know I"ll miss the camaraderie and the trust you develop with the guys you serve with.

 

yeah the camaraderie is fun.... best wishes for you when you do retire.. my mail man retired from the air force... and now he's making 90k a year.. just from retirement and being a mail man...

im not sure if im gonna do 20 yet.. im almost there.. well not really only been in for about 4 years..but my enlistment term is 8... ill find out when the date gets closer and if the reenlisting bonus is good

 

yes I will agree I miss the cameraderie!
Its great that you have a job lined up, that so helps with the transition imo, plus 2 retirements if you want. Who can say that today?

I spent a couple of years trying to figure out what I wanted to do, travelling etc which was great experience but everybody else our age is working & can't drop at a hat go on a trip or skiing

I tried a few regular jobs but working in the civilian sector is different. I found quick that I could not work in an office full of women (dr office) & the most fulfilling job was teaching computers to physically/mentally challenged kids & adults but with the economy, the $$ dried up. I volunteered doing the same thing at a senior center. Those folks want to learn how to social network at 70!!

Finally out of the blue I got a call from an old acquaintance who knew my skills & background & he hired me a fed backfill on a military base for Guard troops being deployed so I am back around soldiers. I like it a lot!!

What's your job/school plans going to be? Congrats on the upcoming retirement!

 

I'm getting ready to retire at the end of this month and while I was eagerly looking forward to it I'm more apprehensive then ever. I currently have 95 different job applications out on the market and have been looking for work for the past 8 months and am finding it harder then ever in this market.It kinda hard to compete with people that have been working on helicopters since 1963...hell I wasn't born until 1969!

 

Congrats on your upcoming retirement! I let it go after 21 years, 2 months, 8 days. I prepped for it by chasing a degree before I got out, but still retired a year early under the Force Shaping program in 07. I went back out to the base as a civil servant...not my first choice, but I'm getting used to it. I played with planes and avionics, but now am in civil engineering. I got here the hard way, not because of who I knew. Let me just say that I am much more relaxed, tolerant, and happy. It is a change, but you're no longer "under the gun", and it is a great feeling. You have the tools and experience my friend...you'll do well!

 

Well, I have six years left but am doing my instructor time time here at Bragg and work with GS and contractors that I have served with in the past on teams and a few SGM's that I knew before hand. For them they like it because we are still broken down as a team and they are still working with and teaching Team guys. Just making more money now...lol. Look forward to that six figure income with the right skill set.

 

I've been retired for just over 4 years now. I stuck with Aircraft maintenance and at first it was hard. Its everyone for themselves now. (Not one big team anymore) It takes some getting used to, no uniforms, no role call, no more exercise natzi (Hell I kept 4 sets of BDU's hanging in my closet for 2 years) Its laid back compaired to what military people are used to, and it takes a while to get used to that. But, I believe anyone that has the disipline and drive to put in 20 will do well in civilian life too. Congrats on your retirement, enjoy your terminal, And get started on your next career.