I am an AF F-15E pilot separating after 12 years in November. I have a few applications in but am targeting SWA and went to HPA to get the 73 type last month--still waiting to be called for an interview. I am wondering if any Guard/Reserve types have any advice for a Strike Eagle guy who has no direct translation into part time AF (there might be some reserve opening up next year, but that's what they said last year too).

Here's what I'm concerned about:

1) Amount of time spent at the unit per month (in addition to airline trips). The unit I have been talking to wants 6-8 days/month, is this normal?
2) Having to spend 3+ months transitioning into a new aircraft.
3) 8 more years of USAF bull***t in the form of UTA's and mini-deployments...just to get a retirment at age 60
4) Conversely... giving up the retirement and the Tricare if I decide not to finish the 8 years.

How do guys tackle this? I would like to go for the retirement but I don't want to DECREASE my quality of life. That's the reason I'm getting out in the first place. All ideas/spears/advice/insight welcome.