Originally Posted by
Laughing_Jakal
military goes right on without the retiree....and on Monday, you're just another retiree clogging the aisles at the commissary, and nobody notices that you're gone.
This is a realization, among a few others, that made me retire right at 20, and also shapes my view of this career.
Originally Posted by
Globemaster2827
There's a ton of luck involved in all of this and it's never as good or as bad as it seems.
This is the first thing I tell those inquiring about the industry. My own path, which has been very good for my time in the industry, comes down to dumb luck and timing for the most part.
To the OP, I get your frustration. Get the timing wrong (bad luck) and there can be a lot of second guessing and regret. Honestly, pick one, do the job to the best of your ability, fly with some great people, and know that you still have one of the best jobs on the planet. When I stop and really think about it, I'm still amazed at the work:reward ratio you're able to achieve with this career.