Originally Posted by
DougForcett
Hello all!
There's a high likelihood that I'll be out of active duty this summer, at about 10 years of service. Has anyone here transitioned to the civilian side without joining the Guard/Reserve? I would prefer to not work 2 jobs for the next decade, but would appreciate any insight on that path. Our main family concern is healthcare. I know we'd be able to afford HC-related costs while I'm flying, but what about after retirement? Is Medicare the only option?
Thanks!
I left active duty and had a 4 year separation. I found that I missed the people and the flying after a couple years. I went back in and am very happy that I did. Guard/Reserve service definitely demands your time (and patience), but it saved my bacon a couple of times with the ups and downs of the airline industry.
3 Monetary incentives off the top of my head:
TRS is hard to beat when compared to civilian medical insurance.
Retirement can be a guaranteed decent mortgage down the road.
G.I. Bill education benefit transfer to the children.
At some point in the past when I got pretty fed up, I ran a spread sheet with expected earning + retirement + Education.
The numbers on that spread sort of pacified the irritation of my extra "Full time job with part time pay".
Of course, nothing is free.