From the Expert: Write out a list of pros and cons when considering a major life decision, such as continuing service. Sort your thoughts into four distinct columns: Pro and Con for staying in, and Pro and Con for staying out.
What goes in each column is a personal choice: A pro for one person may be a con for someone else. Be honest with yourself, and consider both individual and family perspectives (which could be competing).
Once you’ve compiled this list, ask yourself a series of questions:
- Do I enjoy my tradecraft or skillset? If so, what do opportunities look like both in and out of uniform? If not, what opportunities exist within my branch of service, or another service, to cross-train into a different skillset?
- Have I accomplished what I aimed to achieve when I came into service?
- What are my options for my next assignment, and the one after that?
- What are the pay and benefits implications for staying in or getting out?
- Have I exercised my options for career advancement?
- Can I look up and see a role or a person who is serving in a job I would want if I were to reach that rank?
- Have I consulted with my mentors? Peers?
- If I am not content with my current situation, is it a function of people, the role, or my lifestyle?
- Have I exercised the resources available to me in service?
- If I’ve identified a “problem” with service, will getting out really solve it?
- What do you hope to achieve by getting out?
- What do you hope to achieve by extending for another assignment?
Your career path is a unique journey, but you are not alone – and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. If you have a family, be sure to include your spouse in decision-making and consider implications for your children. Transition (and retirement) is a team sport.
While you ultimately have to make decisions that are best for your situation, be sure to leverage all of the resources and support at your disposal. For more transition resources, check out MOAA’s events page to sign up for timely, relevant, and curated offerings aimed at streamlining your career journey decisions.
