Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Should I stay in or get out? I have served in the Navy for 13 years and recently re-enlisted for another three years. I was afraid to separate.

I am a licensed, registered dental hygienist (hospital corpsman), enlisted. The Navy would not give me a commission. I could earn about $30,000 -- $40,000 more as a civilian. But, everyone I ask about getting out tells me I should stay in for the retirement.

I feel I can make it as a cilvilian, but I have not received any encouragement. Has anyone had similar experiences?

Any advice?

(Submitted by P. Anderson)

Comments

[lowjax]

I feel your pain.

I was going to get out at the 6, 12, and 17 year marks. Alas, I stayed till 26, but enough about me already.

First, do you really enjoy your job/occupation? The Navy?

Do you really want a commission?

Whats your CREO?

Now those questions are not meant to be stock Career Counselor questions. These are real.

You state your a licensed dental hygienist - Ever thought about becoming a dentist?

If your really consumed about the almighty $$$ get back in school.

Theirs not much advancement for a hygienist in the civilian world - remember that, so your pay is capped at what ever location you are at.

So your in for another 3, putting you at 16 years. How are you going to invest in yourself is ultimately the question.

Regards, Jack

[Jacqueline O Chaplin]

Stay!! No doubt about it, get your retirement from the military behind you. It will be a nice supplement to whatever you do in the future, i.e. from health benefits to that monthly check. I stayed for 28 years and would be in now if it was up to me. Don't bet on your salary being as high on the outside as you mentioned--most military think they will draw top dollar, but you still have to prove yourself for your employer. There will be tons of G.I. Bill dollars waiting for you and hopefully you are going to school now. Good luck.

[sgtrich]

i agree with both from above. i say stay in and continue your education. just stick with what you are doing now. now im not saying to stay in as long as they have, but long enough to retire and receive an extra pay a month for doing nothing. plus, get a degree as a dentist and use that experience from your years in to get paid more. you may just be able to start your own dental clinic after a few years out...

[treyoung]

I retired at 21 years and some change. Even then, I had worried about what was next. Since having retired, I will tell you that I do NOT regret it one bit....staying in until I retired. It's a completely different world.....the civilian world. The benefits are exactly what the others listed above....and monthly retirement check, possibly disability (which is tax free) and VA medical support and TRICARE. The 20 plus years of experience added to a resume definitely doesn't hurt either. Get your degree, get your degree, get your degree and do it WHILE you are in. If employment is tight and limited in the dental hygenist field, you can always fall back on your degree. Good luck

[Keli Jennings]

Hi, sounds like you want to get out. Please don't at 13years in thats past the 10 year mark. 7 more years is not hard when you think about the rewards of waiting. You will immediately get paid upon retirement for the rest of your life. You can choose depending on the lifestyle you like to work part time or a full time job. My friend did just that. She quit her civilian job to take one that paid 20,000 or more less because she was getting retirement from the service. I wish I could say the same. I am a reservist with almost 21 years in. Lost my job two years ago and am almost bankrupt. I have fewer resources. Glad the navy can be a temporary back up. It helps but its not a cure all. Staying in is the best thing you can do for your life and career choices.

[Mary R.D.H.]

Stay. Get your retirement and the I.D. card to have access to the commissary, PX, BX, NEX. Yes you can earn the amount of money you are talking about, but how many days do you want to work or will have to work for that pay? What will be the cost of living where you choose to live? There is also pay per patient offices, or flat rate offices, or pay per patient and anything that goes toward production X-rays, FMX, impressions? How many Dentists utilize RDH's where you want to live? How many offices whill you have to work to get the hours? This recession will probably last longer than a couple of years and by the time you have 20 the job out look will be better. Start saving for the house/condo you want to live in as a civilian. Will there be a position for you as a DoD/Contract RDH? Do you want to do some Traveling? Having the I.D. to utilize the lower costs and travel advantages will be a plus. Know more of your options for the place you want to live!

[Sam]

I got out at five as a Hospital Corpsman with no regrets. I used my GI Bill to get my degree and VA to get my home. The Navy taught me to survive and to not fear the unknown. You will make it if you decide to get out and don't just focus on the benefits or money, instead focus on your happiness and that of your family which are more important. You can always do reserves or try to get stationed some where that's close to where you want to live. We are leaders when we leave and that's what allows us to succeed.

[Brian Wool]

To get out after the halfway mark and before retirement is absolutely ludicrous! I got out after 11.5 years and there's not a day that goes by that I don't kick myself in the rear for not sticking it out.

I just reached what would have been my "20 year" anniversary last September and look back to think that the time that I've been out has flown by quickly as well.

Do yourself a favor and stay in!

[Myra]

Stay in! I have a friend who is a RDH in California and during this recession she is not able to work as much as she would like to. Her job is not stable. She works at 3 different offices 4 days a week. She is having a hard time right now, people don't want to spend money to clean their teeth.

Stay in.

[Rick Schroder]

STAY IN, STAY IN, STAY IN!!! The number of years you have to reach retirement is nothing compared to the security you will have for the rest of your life! I left the Navy after 6 yrs. and have regreted it every day. If I had re-enlisted, it would have put me over the 10 yr. mark and I would have stayed to do 30. Which at this time I would probably be a CMC or better. Now, most of my friends are 30 yr (E-9 to O-6) retirees collecting some impressive benefits. You would be a complete moron to leave now, given the current economic climate.

[Jim Gregg]

I almost got out of the service after 12 years in. They were downsizing back in 1992. It would have been one of the worst mistakes of my life. I retired at 20 years. I now have a military retirement to fall back on if I lose my job or even if I decide to quit. That peace of mind is worth it. Also with todays economy, staying with the job you have versus trying to find work and maybe getting, is just not worth it. One of the biggest mistakes I did in the service was not getting a degree. So you got 7 years left, plenty of time to get your degree. Also from personal experience, make sure that your military training and experience can transfer to the civilian world, find out what civilian certifications you need. I spent 20 years working on aircraft only to be told I needed civilian certification to work on civilian aircraft.

[Vinson chatman]

dude, don't even think about gettn out, r u nuts?? I did 10 as a YN n wishes like heck I would've states cause I would b retiring 2 day. Stayn get your degrees, become a dentist, and work for the VA......

[Jeff]

At my 11 yr mark I was a Chief and I did a self assessment...AND did an English paper entitled Should I Get Out Of The Navy. Every single person I talked to that had more than 6-8 yrs and got out regretted it, except one, and he was a highly educated E-8 IT type so he got a VERY good paying job. Stay in, it's the right thing to do, I don't think you'll ever regret it. In your remaining years, do anything/everything you can to promote yourself IN the Navy, then you'll be more prepared upon retirement to promote yourself OUT of the Navy.

[Joe]

Are you out of your mind. At the end of this enlistment you will have around 16 years in the books and you are considering walking away? You must really hate your situation. Lets look at this seriously, You have 13 in, you have to be at least an e-6 probably e-7. With pay and allowances you are tipping the scales at the $40,000 - $65000 mark. I just hit wikipedia and a Dental Hygenist ON AVERAGE earns $30.00 per hour or $62400 per year. That is on average with some in LA earning $50 - $55 per hour. Chances are you dont live in LA. So to earn 30 - 40 K more per year you would have to live in one of the more expensive places and in that case your expenses are higher. Dont do something stupid and jump at this point.

[tamra]

Stay in dude. All the advice above mine said it all. Plus you've just re-enlisted, after that time is up,it's all uphill from there.

[G]

I say stay, time will fly so fast you'll be standing at the podium on your retirement day wondering where did the time go!! If you are admant on rolling out the door, start networking with your Department Head, Dental Director on any possible openings. Check with the command you're with on what are the companies that hire hygienist. If you are stationed overseas right now, start calling or emailing the military bases Dental clinics that you want to settle down near stateside. From the what I know for a fact is that it's better to work on the military bases, because work is constant. Working for a civilian company, not everyone wants to pay to keep their teeth clean and I guarantee you, you will be working less hours. You can still make great money (60-120K). But, why not stay and collect that retirement check and (60K-120K). Stay Navy Bro, you're in a good occupational field. You're too close to the end. Good Luck and network before you end. Only the Airforce offers a commission as a Hygienist.

[James Strieter, YNC (ret)]

Stay. I retired as a YNC with 22 years, with no hope of getting E-8. The simple explanation was that I had not done my time on staff positions, which I accepted. I had more than my share of independent duty (which my family loved).

Back to the case of stay or go. After my retirement, I had the opportunity of several civilian positions. If it got to the point where I felt I was being put in a position of illegal activities, I could move on because I knew the mortgage was going to be paid.

I have been retired since 1982 and have left 2 positions because of the above reason. I do not consider myself a quitter, but the retirement check made my decision much easier.

[G]

I say stay, time will fly so fast you'll be standing at the podium on your retirement day wondering where did the time go!! If you are admant on rolling out the door, start networking with your Department Head, Dental Director on any possible openings. Check with the command you're with on what are the companies that hire hygienist. If you are stationed overseas right now, start calling or emailing the military bases Dental clinics that you want to settle down near stateside. From the what I know for a fact is that it's better to work on the military bases, because work is constant. Working for a civilian company, not everyone wants to pay to keep their teeth clean and I guarantee you, you will be working less hours. You can still make great money (60-120K). But, why not stay and collect that retirement check and (60K-120K). Stay Navy Bro, you're in a good occupational field. You're too close to the end. Good Luck and network before you end. Only the Airforce offers a commission as a Hygienist.

[G]

I say stay, time will fly so fast you'll be standing at the podium on your retirement day wondering where did the time go!! If you are adamant on rolling out the door, start networking with your Department Head, Dental Director on any possible openings. Check with the command you're with on what are the companies that hire hygienist. If you are stationed overseas right now, start calling or emailing the military bases Dental clinics that you want to settle down near stateside. From the what I know for a fact is that it's better to work on the military bases, because work is constant. Working for a civilian company, not everyone wants to pay to keep their teeth clean and I guarantee you, you will be working less hours. You can still make great money (60-120K). But, why not stay and collect that retirement check and (60K-120K). Stay Navy Bro, you're in a good occupational field. You're too close to the end. Good Luck and network before you end. Only the Airforce offers a commission as a Hygienist.

[G]

I say stay, time will fly so fast you'll be standing at the podium on your retirement day wondering where did the time go!! If you are adamant on rolling out the door, start networking with your Department Head, Dental Director on any possible openings. Check with the command you're with on what are the companies that hire hygienist. If you are stationed overseas right now, start calling or emailing the military bases Dental clinics that you want to settle down near stateside. From the what I know for a fact is that it's better to work on the military bases, because work is constant. Working for a civilian company, not everyone wants to pay to keep their teeth clean and I guarantee you, you will be working less hours. You can still make great money (60-120K). But, why not stay and collect that retirement check and (60K-120K). Stay Navy Bro, you're in a good occupational field. You're too close to the end. Good Luck and network before you end. Only the Airforce offers a commission as a Hygienist.

[Jerry]

Guy, I didn't even enlist until I was 34 and hardly a day goes by now that I don't at least wish a little bit that I'd gone in when I was 18 and done my 20. (I hated it and got out after 4.) Virtually everyone I've worked with since getting out is a retiree - drawing a nice, fat pension while also getting paid the same as me. (Plus, when we're working on post, they can go buy dip and beer and whatever at the shopette, but that's hardly a basis for a career decision.) Still, unless you waited until you were older to enlist, you can finish your 20 and still have a nice long life ahead of you. Unless you're on the verge of suicide from hating the Navy, STAY IN and RETIRE. Then go do whatever with a really nice backup income coming in every month. (Oh, and buy a house while you're in and try to pay it off before you retire - might as well use your quarters allowance to BUY something as opposed to blowing it on an apartment.)

[Mary RDH and Air Guard TSgt]

The Air Force is not commisioning their Hygienists!!!! The AF is sending individuals to the Associate degree program just like the Navy. Having a BS in Hygiene or any thing else can give the opportunity to teach at a hygiene program, but a Hygieniest does have at lease have an Associate Degree.

[Shan]

Mate,

You had better stay in. Do you know how many people are being laid off everyday?. The economy has tanked and civilian life is extremely difficult right now. The money you get in the civilian life is not good anymore, it's not what it used to be. Look at all these people leaving the private sector who are fighting to get a government job. This should tell you something about the times we are now living in. The only safety net jobs are government jobs, especially the Military. The standard of living has really gone down everywhere in the US. Stay, Stay ,Stay you are just a few years away from retirement.

[Robert]

First of all I like to you that thank you for your sevice. I believe if you truly happy of the job you doing in the military. Then you should stay until retirement. It does matter if you dont get commission. It you love your job so much that if the goverment give you an pay cut you will still work. You never mention if you was married or not or if have kids or if been deployed overseas. I hope those consider those factors to stay like marriage and kids. If you are happly married and your spouse support you gettting deployed all the time then I would stay if not then I would get out. I will never end my marriage over any deployment. I rather been with my wife and raise my kids thru the growing years than miss their growing years. Well that is my opinion. I hope my advice helps.

[VICTOR DIAZ]

Don´t be a full seven years will go very fast and you will enjoy a pay check every month

the best yearsof you life are already gone hang in there

good luck

[Ross]

The civillian market is a mess right now, with everyone climbing on top of each other to get the few jobs that are out there. Dont worry about that commission, I tried 5 times for a commission and I have a double masters degree. I finally gave up.

Stay In! You are only 7 years from a full retirement. Use the online formats that are available thru your base education office and make yourself more valuable and promotable. You may not get that commission, but you may get your anchors and even a star to boot. So hang in there. You'll be glad when you can bank that retirement check!

[Daniel Latch]

Stay! Maximize the remaining time to plan, prepare, and create the transitional phase of your exit, reentry, and build for the future plan - Listen up, I'm and old guy here. Marine 69-76/06-08! Been helping folks get things right for years. Here me out: You're asking the wrong question. Opting out pre-retirement wastes your time-investment and you'll not likely get it back. Only leave of necessity when the value outweighs the loss, especially in the case of health. Your retirement income is your reward but think of it the way it was. You served time to, maybe, shed blood. You gain skills for transfer into the civilian world. It is your knowledge and competencies that are most important. Do you have them confidently certified? Are they competitive for when you get out? What additional training will you do to be more competitive? What would you be doing instead of developing in your career field? Hitting the bar? If so, this means you are either more interested in another area or totally satisfied with your current level? If you realize that you want more, if you are hungry for more . the question becomes, What can you do NOW to get a mentor or champion, a coach to help guide you to your next level with the level beyond that in sight. Not for your next job but two beyond that. Do you want to be a technophile or an administrater? Leverage your skills, your knowlwedge, your competencites! If you are confused and uncertain, have you considered results from personal and career assessments? Have you reviewed your weaknesses and considered how easily they can be understood as strengths? Coaches are really helpful here. Bottom line - hang in there and make a plan which empowers your branding when you get out. Consider (research) how you package, present, and market your competencies to create the life you truly desire. Apply your self in a committed and military way to preparing for promotion to being THE MAN who steers his own ship, creates jobs for others, and ignites the engines of commerce.

[KT&ROB09]

I am a spouse and a veteran of four years. I got out for medical reasons and because we had a child. Now, he goes on deployment for a year at a time, gets stationed overseas, etc. I stay home with two kids and maintain the house we're buying. He has 11 years in, but if he even thought of getting out now, I would probably slap him! We have worked too hard and too long to quit now. I don't know if you have a wife or children, but I would surely discuss it with them before you make any life changing decisions. This will affect the entire family, not just you. I also agree with everybody above that you should stick it out until retirement. The benefits are awesome! We're buying a house, and some of my neighbors are military, but there are also quite a few who are not. I continually hear stories of "how terrible" the economy is (and it may well be), but his paycheck is steady and the payraises come through for us every year, just like clockwork. I wish you the best of luck. It's more than half way over. Just take it one day at a time. Good luck.

[KT&ROB09]

I am a spouse and a veteran of four years. I got out for medical reasons and because we had a child. Now, he goes on deployment for a year at a time, gets stationed overseas, etc. I stay home with two kids and maintain the house we're buying. He has 11 years in, but if he even thought of getting out now, I would probably slap him! We have worked too hard and too long to quit now. I don't know if you have a wife or children, but I would surely discuss it with them before you make any life changing decisions. This will affect the entire family, not just you. I also agree with everybody above that you should stick it out until retirement. The benefits are awesome! We're buying a house, and some of my neighbors are military, but there are also quite a few who are not. I continually hear stories of "how terrible" the economy is (and it may well be), but his paycheck is steady and the payraises come through for us every year, just like clockwork. I wish you the best of luck. It's more than half way over. Just take it one day at a time. Good luck.

[Jeff]

Stay in. I had a GSM1 tell me that if you stay in until 10 years 1 day you might as well stay in for the second half. I still believe that is great advice. Once you get done with your current enlistment you will be very close to your retirement.
I got out a few days before I reached the 10 year mark. THe only thing I miss is the base privileges. I am always looking for a nice Federal job to get the privileges back and to finish the other 10 years to get my Federal retirement.
I hope you listen to everyone that is saying to stay in. It is sound advice.

[Jeffery]

I have to agree with the majority on this one, you have 13 years under your belt, I mean you are over half-way to 20, then you run away and you will still have all the opportunities you have now and I would bet even more will open up. You can also start stacking your leave time for when you get there, but I would think if you left now, that sometime you will regret it.

Good Luck,

Jeff

[Corrie]

Good evening Anderson,
I read all the above comments and I strongly agree with most. I just recently retired in August 2008. Let me tell you it is such a blessing to have a retirement check on time every month. In addition, I am receiving VA benefits which is also sweet. I must admit that I am not working but that is by choice. 49 years old,retired and does not have to work.(sweet) But, I have spent some time browsing the job market. There are jobs available but a good job requires good credentials. I highly recommend that you stay in long enough to secure your retirement. In the meantime, check out the job market to determine what credentials you will need to be competitive in your field. Use the next 7 years to prepare for your transition to your new career. Be mindful that the economy is not doing very well at this time. There are no other benefits like those you will receive with your military retirement. Hang in there, the best is yet to come.... Good luck on your decision and furthering your education.

Corrie

[Bart]

I've been in 10 and am separating. Although, if I was at my 13 I would still be separating. I have no job lined up, the job market is not good and I'm not afraid. Same thing happened 4 years ago when i reenlisted, everyone said I won't find a job and I should stay for retirement. My dad did 28 years enlisted and I have a lot of pressure to stay. My plan is to go Guard or Reserves. Leaning more towards Guard. I've been in contact with the local Guard unit and if I can't find a job, they're willing to work with me and have me come in temporary Active Duty Guard until I do find something. I can at least make the same I do now. But, at least i have the option to pursue something else. For example, I'm intel, but I think I'd like to be an engine mechanic. I can't cross train if I stay in. Do your research and follow your heart. Weigh your options, pros and cons, benefits pay, cost of living, etc. No regrets whatever you decide, make a decision and be happy.

[John]

I guess I am in the same kind of boat you are in. I have 12, going on 13 years now. I haven't re-enlisted yet, but the option is there. Unlike most of the other people that wrote earlier, I am still an E-5. I, just like you, am trying to get a commission. However, in my current job, I don't think I can stay in any longer than I have to. I have another year or so before my DOS. This is my advice to you.

Just like Robert said above, if you think you are going to go crazy staying in the job that you are in right now, then get out. Change your career path. If you are married and military life is taking its toll, then get out. Ending a marriage is not worth the retirement. Caveat this with, only if you love her...A LOT.
Now, on the other hand, you already re-enlisted. Maybe you should have asked this question on this before you re-enlisted, but what's done is done. You will have 16+ years at your new DOS. If it's 4 years that you have to face ahead, then my advice is to stay. You wouldn't have decided to re-enlist for another 3 years if you didn't like your job. There is obviously something about your job that you like. I think you can stick it out for another 4 after your 3 year re-enlistment.

Me, on the other hand, I can't stand my job. Everyday that goes by, I want to stab myself for changing jobs. I was an aircraft mechanic when I first enlisted. I wish I was doing that same job. Anyhow, my future is now looking to join the Army as a commissioned officer. If they will accept me.

I will have 6 years left to go at my DOS. That too short of a time period to forget it and leave it. I would much rather be a civilian, but 6 years is nothing. I think I can do 6 in my sleep, but only if it's a job I can deal with. I think I can deal with any job better than dealing with my current one. Too many know it alls.

That is my advice to you bro. Hope this helps.

[Carl]

Just a few thoughts from someone who did 4 and got out. Don't stay in for fear! As a counterbalance, don't get out for greed. You have three years; use them. Think about why you think you want out. Do you hate the Navy? Just this assignment? Or is it that you're seeing civilian dollars flying by?

What are your goals? Will continued time in the Navy move you towards them, or away? Do you want/need to move after seperating/retiring?

From what little I know, my main advice is to send the next 3 years mapping all this out. Actually, map it out this year and spend the next two pulling it together. If you feel you need to leave to meet your goals, 2 years will get you on a good start towards that transition. If you decide to stay in, figure out how to use those remaining 6 years to set yourself up for success as a civilian.