gonna make the leap
04-23-2008 | 05:06 AM
#21
Line Holder
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 63
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From: 757/767 FO for life
I gotta agree.....with the state of the industry right now, I'd listen to this advice.......if you had 5-6 more years, I'd punch, but you're too close to pass up the instant retirement.
04-23-2008 | 05:11 AM
#22
Sequester bait
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 282
Likes: 2
From: UH-60, AS-350, C-550
Dude, it's crazy to get out now unless you can slide right into AGR/ADSW. 6.4$ billion loss for big D this morning... I think you can kiss that dream goodbye. I left 121 and won't look back. Stay to retirement, in 2-3 years things might be turning around, and you'll have the garunteed income. It's really a no brainer.
04-23-2008 | 05:44 AM
#23
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,707
Likes: 0
From: Permanently scarred
Mox, you've probably had enough at this point, but some other things to consider as you come up on 20: before you put your papers in make sure you've got a good Class I. If the EKG is out of whack then you might think about finding your final job coasting for a few more years before you bail. Not likely, but just a thought. I know it's tempting...back in 2000 I had guys telling me that the numbers said getting out at 19 years was more profitable then staying in and drawing retirement before the airlines (i.e. the one year made that much difference). But those pay rates are gone and even if they weren't it's not enough to make up for the sense of security you feel with 20 years behind you. Good luck, and I hope the picture looks better in two or three years for you.
04-23-2008 | 05:58 AM
#24
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 431
Likes: 1
From: 737 FO/Capt/FO
wow, thanks for all the response...I didn't expect that much. And a big thank you to all of those who are slapping me in the face and throwing ice water on me 
and I really mean that, because I was hoping to get a reality check. (and it was kind of the response I expected)
...and thanks to Lifter too for the info on your buds, that it is indeed possible. But it is a huge gamble, I do know that at this point....especially with all the information flowing in the other threads about the current environment.
It all sounds so tempting reading other threads about guys punching at 12 or 14 years... an overwhelming consensus that getting out was the thing to do because of QOL issues and (at least in the Guard) more control of your schedule. But yes I realize that my position at 17-18 is different. And that "free money just for breathing" thing is what's kept me going this far.
I'm already on my last tour...no need or real chance to PCS again, 3 years minimum time on station before a CONUS-to-CONUS PCS (I could volunteer for a remote I suppose....not really appealing). Moved to my current unit last year with 4 years left figuring I could coast pretty easily. Some days I'm not so sure...or maybe I've just been in a bad mood these last couple weeks. (currently deployed to Djibouti!)
Already took care of the ATP when I mulled this over a couple years ago, I already wanted to start positioning myself. Class I is first on my list for when I get back home. So I'm just trying to learn all I can and be ready if I do decide to step off that ledge. And if I stay in, well, then I'm that much more prepared for when that calendar hits 20.
Thanks again, I'll be around
Mox
and I really mean that, because I was hoping to get a reality check. (and it was kind of the response I expected)...and thanks to Lifter too for the info on your buds, that it is indeed possible. But it is a huge gamble, I do know that at this point....especially with all the information flowing in the other threads about the current environment.
It all sounds so tempting reading other threads about guys punching at 12 or 14 years... an overwhelming consensus that getting out was the thing to do because of QOL issues and (at least in the Guard) more control of your schedule. But yes I realize that my position at 17-18 is different. And that "free money just for breathing" thing is what's kept me going this far.
I'm already on my last tour...no need or real chance to PCS again, 3 years minimum time on station before a CONUS-to-CONUS PCS (I could volunteer for a remote I suppose....not really appealing). Moved to my current unit last year with 4 years left figuring I could coast pretty easily. Some days I'm not so sure...or maybe I've just been in a bad mood these last couple weeks. (currently deployed to Djibouti!)
Already took care of the ATP when I mulled this over a couple years ago, I already wanted to start positioning myself. Class I is first on my list for when I get back home. So I'm just trying to learn all I can and be ready if I do decide to step off that ledge. And if I stay in, well, then I'm that much more prepared for when that calendar hits 20.
Thanks again, I'll be around
Mox
Mox,
No problem. I was sorta in the same boat as you a few years ago. Because of a degree in Foreign Affairs and some language skills I got snagged by DIA and was unable to get out. Get this, I was unable to retire for 6 years because of my secondary AFSC. I was sooooooo angry. My last 6 years were miserable ...the worst in my career. I walked out the door on my last day and NEVER looked back...I say this to you because I feel your pain.
I told you about the success stories to let you know you it can and has happenned in the AFRES. Not sure about the ANG! It would take some work and those that have done it and are doing it now had researched the idea and got out right at the 17yr point. The closer you get to 18, the less likely you would get hired by the Reserves because they know you are close to sanctuary.
I was thinking of another that did it and made 0-8...
Again, big nads...
If I were you I'd hang out on AD for the next 36 months (or less) and during that time build a smokin resume and fly anything you can...
Hang in there brother,
Lifter
04-23-2008 | 06:00 AM
#25
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: B-767
Nox,
Put your 20 in, don't even think twice about leaving. It will be nice having that retirement check, money in the bank. Nobody is hiring, mergers in progress, age 65, etc. Timing is everything and now is not the time to get out. There is alot of unknowns, $110+ per barrel, chapter 11's. Whats oil going to be priced in two years? Stick it out, we'll know more about the industry in two years.
Put your 20 in, don't even think twice about leaving. It will be nice having that retirement check, money in the bank. Nobody is hiring, mergers in progress, age 65, etc. Timing is everything and now is not the time to get out. There is alot of unknowns, $110+ per barrel, chapter 11's. Whats oil going to be priced in two years? Stick it out, we'll know more about the industry in two years.
04-23-2008 | 06:40 AM
#26
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: 747 FO
Mox,
I know exactly how you feel. I retired last summer, following the worst year in my 20-yr career. I arrived at my last tour with 4 yrs left, but I had done a remote earlier, so was safe from another. As a passed over O-4, I spent the next 3 years flying the line and having a great time as a "Field Grader without Portfolio." But the last year was hell. I had a horrible commander and was grounded following an incident that I had no control over and wasn't even present at. I hated every day. My family suffered because of my bad attitude.
Obviously I wasn't going to get out with less than a year left, so I stuck it out. I got hired by an ACMI carrier, and started Terminal leave at the very earliest I could, which was also when the class started. Given that training pay was $50 a day, and no per diem, those last 2 AD paychecks made a huge difference. And while the retirement check isn't huge, it, too, makes a big difference especially on first-year pay.
Speaking of first-yr pay, most people make the assumption that they'll only have to endure that level of pay once. But given the spate of bankruptcies, mergers, and failures in the industry, you may get stuck on first-yr pay again, and that's when you'll be very thankful for that retirement check. Even Tricare is a blessing (I can't believe I just said that).
I know I'm just jumping on the bandwagon, and by now you've probably heard it enough. Yes, the grass can be greener on the outside. It certainly was for me. But I think of my retirement check as fertilizer, making it that much greener.
I know exactly how you feel. I retired last summer, following the worst year in my 20-yr career. I arrived at my last tour with 4 yrs left, but I had done a remote earlier, so was safe from another. As a passed over O-4, I spent the next 3 years flying the line and having a great time as a "Field Grader without Portfolio." But the last year was hell. I had a horrible commander and was grounded following an incident that I had no control over and wasn't even present at. I hated every day. My family suffered because of my bad attitude.
Obviously I wasn't going to get out with less than a year left, so I stuck it out. I got hired by an ACMI carrier, and started Terminal leave at the very earliest I could, which was also when the class started. Given that training pay was $50 a day, and no per diem, those last 2 AD paychecks made a huge difference. And while the retirement check isn't huge, it, too, makes a big difference especially on first-year pay.
Speaking of first-yr pay, most people make the assumption that they'll only have to endure that level of pay once. But given the spate of bankruptcies, mergers, and failures in the industry, you may get stuck on first-yr pay again, and that's when you'll be very thankful for that retirement check. Even Tricare is a blessing (I can't believe I just said that).
I know I'm just jumping on the bandwagon, and by now you've probably heard it enough. Yes, the grass can be greener on the outside. It certainly was for me. But I think of my retirement check as fertilizer, making it that much greener.
04-24-2008 | 08:08 AM
#27
Line Holder
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Bunk Logging Other Time
I am leaving the Air Force as an O-3w/9 yrs and walking into a reserve unit next door that needs people. Their interest in me was not extended to several Majors and Lt Cols also at my base with thousands of hours of experience in the C-130 over me for some of the similar reasons mentioned above...and the unit is hiring left and right. Unless you have a deal you cant assume that your experience and active duty time is what a unit would want...
Also, as someone getting out with a wife and 2 children to take care of, I cant beleive how important Tricare is...best case scenario for me is to pay 250 bucks a month for TRS to get less than what I have now for free! That is the BEST CASE, a standard healthplan would be twice that for the coverage I need. Suck it up by just thinking of your mortgage and IRA fully funded for just waking up in the morning...you will be so glad you did.
Also, as someone getting out with a wife and 2 children to take care of, I cant beleive how important Tricare is...best case scenario for me is to pay 250 bucks a month for TRS to get less than what I have now for free! That is the BEST CASE, a standard healthplan would be twice that for the coverage I need. Suck it up by just thinking of your mortgage and IRA fully funded for just waking up in the morning...you will be so glad you did.
04-24-2008 | 11:55 AM
#28
Thread Starter
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
From: Falcon 900B
ok, explain the Tricare thing to me...the Guard guy I've been talking to said the same thing, he gets Tricare for $250/month...so you're saying it doesn't cover as much? By TRS do you mean Tricare Standard?
04-24-2008 | 02:02 PM
#29
Gets Weekends Off
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 880
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TRS is Tricare standard. Basically, it is Tricare prime for 253.00 a month. Dental for family is around 70-80. 320 is the total costs for what you have on AD right now. If you go on orders over 30 days, you get 6 months of tricare prime at no cost and then go back to TRS. A lot of guys manage to get the 31-60 days of orders every six months to get tricare prime for the year.
04-24-2008 | 02:59 PM
#30
Line Holder
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 638
Likes: 3
From: A330 FO
TRS is Tricare standard. Basically, it is Tricare prime for 253.00 a month. Dental for family is around 70-80. 320 is the total costs for what you have on AD right now. If you go on orders over 30 days, you get 6 months of tricare prime at no cost and then go back to TRS. A lot of guys manage to get the 31-60 days of orders every six months to get tricare prime for the year.
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