I Palace Chased back in July with 11 months to go on my committment. I am living where I want to live and joined a reserve unit at the base I was active duty at. I love the freedom of being out but I also feel the pressure now that I dont have that guaranteed paycheck on the 15th and 30th of every month. I am at about 75% of where I was as an active duty captain when you combine my civilian job and reserve duty. I dont regret my decision but if there Air Force isnt letting people go anymore, consider it a blessing in disguise and make the best of the situation by preparing yourself for when you do get out.

That means start saving money and banking your leave for taking terminal leave if you have a job, or selling 60 days of leave if you don't have a job. You will need the money if you have a family, I promise. I would suggest you have at least 3 months salary on hand and the more the better. Your mortgage does not stop just because your pay does and there is no such thing as free health care in the civilian world. You more than likely will take a big pay cut if you are a senior Captain/Major type and are not retiring. Obviously the airline jobs arent too plentiful right now either.

There are worse things in life than putting on blues once a week, flying regularly and putting up with the usual USAF BS. I promise...just watch the news right now.