My point is that if you do the preparation any sharp, motivated, and hard-working AD pilot should be able to make more money with a better QOL within 2-3 years of getting out.
I guess I'm not sharp or motivated. I got out and went to a Big-4 consulting firm for equal wages...the reality is you probably need at least 20% more from an "equal" slide to break even due to the taxes (I didn't pay state tax in the military) and other crap that costs money now (like not having a choice where you register your car! That was a shocking bill!).
That said, I didn't get out for the money but the six years of a$$ pain I was going to get for being non-command screen O-5 (missed my DH timing) and I was very frustrated with my leadership for having no-interest in helping me out. In that regard, I haven't regretted any of it, and I expected the $ part so it's OK.
My quality of life, both as a pilot and consultant is better...you won't be gone for 6 months straight, but there will be many weeks where you're only home a couple nights. It is liberating to go on a trip without having to drop leave papers!
Bottom line from my experience...if you have any doubts, stay in. Even with a good plan and reason, it's going to be scary - I didn't have a job until a month before I got out other than with the regionals. There's no job security anywhere, but there's also no loyalty and you're expected to jump to better opportunities as they arise. You'll be looked down on if you don't. Most folks will take a $ hit getting out, no matter what you do. Remember, the average officer changed jobs 3 times in the first 8 years of being out.
Just wanted to add a differing opion,
Spongebob