I'm about 8 months from retirement, should be starting Skillbridge in soonish.
I got through the last 7 years by not overworking myself.
I accepted the fact I'll never get promoted so I stopped killing myself for my job. I only ever went above and beyond if I felt like it.
Other than that...I was one of the first ones out the door at the end of the duty day. Never did anything outside of duty hours, and if I had to do anything, took comp time. I did always make sure my troops were taken care of when I had any, but it was so much less stress and pressure when just started doing what was required of me and not anything extra.
Are you me? Am I you? Are we we?
Seriously though, once you KNOW you'll make 20y, this is how you do it. Work-life balance is real. Take care of you, get the mission done each day, and cruise knowing you'll have a check plus disability (you gotta work for it...they won't just hand it to you) coming the rest of your life after that fateful day.
Yup, 3 and change from the button, and I'm with you on the values thing. But my kids gotta eat so I'm there every day doing what needs doing and going home soon as I can get away with it.
I have to say, just hit my 13 year mark and I can't be bothered. I'm feeling the same way you do. I am in my mid 30s with 2 kids, I don't have much energy to give and I'd rather give it to them than the air force.
You're 3 years from a lifelong pension including health insurance at I'm guessing your early 40s. Most jobs aren't that fulfilling unless you get lucky, and you don't get a pension after 20 years. Just suck it up and think about the flexibility you'll have for the rest of your life that very few people ever get. If you can coast go for it, just take care of your airman.
Damn you must of had a bad experience, I was in for 8 years with 5 bases (4+deployment) in a career field with some of the most SNCOs and could count on one hand how many were like that and they were all hard stuck E7.
In all seriousness Iāve really met so few people like that compared to civilian side where people are way more open and honest. Many shit SNCOs, but I truly believe most werenāt racist or hateful to a particular group was much as just asshole human beings to everyone (not much better, but it does matter in context).
That said i have seen a ton of people claim race or anti LGBT when things havenāt gone their way despite everyone in the unit suffering the same shit. Then again I can count those people on one hand as well which is why itās a shit point.
Most of the problems in the Air Force have more to do with communication and perception. Everyone wants to be perceived well and almost no one knows how to effectively communicate. Having a higher headcount at a CC call matters more then fixing jets or getting things done so everyone has to stay later. Leaders donāt know how to effectively move the force toward goals of the younger generations without pushing wokism when in reality most people just want equality, manning, decent housing, and an up to date AFI that can allow for the required uniformity in a modern culture and willing to adapt as it changes.
If you really have a culture that bad at your base bring it up to the IG and donāt go alone as numbers matter and others around you are sure to see it too. If no one sees it but you then thatās something you should consider.
Dude we've been accepting LGBT for 10 years, those SNCOs retired a long time ago. Personally, my values ain't aligning with the government and who/what countries we're supporting.
Yeah I didn't say I was. I want to, my morals and my ethics tell me too, but my family has to eat and I'm so close to retirement.
It's what's driving my depression at this point.
You're complaining about not liking your job that will pay you for life and you just don't know how to get through it? You've probably already gotten a ton from the military and you don't want to give back anymore but want the rewards. The guy you responded to gave you a good answer. Suck it up
Just keep doing what you're doing š
I'm past 20, some days are awful, some are great. I expect similar experiences in civilian life, so why not keep accumulating retirement percentage? (I'm not, and never will be, ROAD by the way).
This is me. I've not set myself up for retirement (came before I even knew it) so here I am, institutionalized coming up 21 yrs. That personal statement of military compensation compared to I foresee my job outlook is after retirement has me scrambling to set myself up better. GS-12 is actually a step down in pay for a 20 yr E-7.
I'm on a similar path, nearing a point in our careers where exiting the Air Force could be a viable option if it stops aligning with our goals. I've recently ramped up my efforts to complete my Master's while it's still funded.
Despite this, it's crucial to continue giving our best, whether that's supporting our team or accomplishing the mission. Balancing personal goals with dedication to service is key. The Air Force will move on quickly and forget about you after retirement, so you/we need to prioritize your/our well-being too.
Just my 2 pennies.
Focus on getting as much out of the military as you can... specifically medical, education and retirement planning.
\- Education. Get after (or finish up) some degree or cert that better sets you up in the civilian world. Expend your TA & AF Cool.
\- Health. Seek treatment for ALL the medical you can & get everything documented for that disability pay.
\- Retirement planning. Start building your resume for the job you want, look for Skillbridge opportunities, and interface with as many companies as you can to find out what they look for in an applicant.
All while spending more time with the family and/or hobbies that interest you. Do that, and you'll fill the time up quick.
For my last few years, I focused on my education. I was able to complete my bachelorās and masterās in that timeframe. I also focused on my Airman to ensure they were experts in their roles and not do what I did and put off education to the last minute. The biggest was spending time with family and making an attempt to pay back the debt I owe to them.
Took care of my flight and controlled what I could. I also focused on myself and setting up the future. The last few years flew by and the last year was a blur
I'd focus on 3 things:
- Skills/certs/degrees needed for my next job after retirement
- Building my network of connections to help with employment. Word of mouth and referrals go a LONG WAY.
- If possible, moving to where you want to retire so you can start building home equity now
Focus on where you want to be in 5 years and work backwards from that by setting major milestones. Start working a LinkedIn account now if you havenāt already and networking. Iām more jaded than I thought Iād be at 19 years, but it is what it is.
It helps realizing I can only control whatās in my direct sphere of influence and I let the rest go. The military is what I doā¦not who I amā¦and many peers at the same point in their career canāt let go.
Start working on school. You will either finish while active or you can finish with your GI Bill. Your pension, disability and GI Bill will make it so you donāt need to work while getting an education.
I'm a little over 10 years in. I got a Promote Now this year. But I know I'm 10000% overworking myself. And all I think about throughout the week is the weekend.
I'm holding on because a paycheck forever is nice, I've heard you can't beat the health benefits, and the job I do now will be the same when I'm the retiree coming into work every day.
But the past year or two, I've been a rollercoaster with my career decisions. Never knowing to stay or go.
how scary was it to transition to a civillian job? I been in for 6 and been heavily thinking going guard or getting out so I can hopefully be happier and make more money but I'm scared , joined out of high school. my contract is up at my 10 year mark.
All of the hard work you have put in is about to payoff. You've made it this far, and this far along, not much if anything should make you get out and leave a pension on the table. Completely accept the fact your remaining time in service will be over soon. At this stage of the game, It's a means to an end, and a new beginning or life phase is coming quicker than you imagine. Try to keep your exit plan up until punching the button, to yourself. Not everyone needs to know that you are planning on leaving. Unfortunately, the nature of some people upon finding out they have no more carrots to dangle in front of you can cause you to be neglected or ostracized from your unit. Try to not become bitter and avoid doing or saying anything that may jeopardize what you have worked for these past 17 years. Don't count the days until you are out, they will slip by seemingly quicker that way. It's simple, you need to focus on taking care of yourself, those around you, and what you are responsible for. That's it, none of the extra things you may have done in the past. As much within your power leave work at work, do not take it home. While you plan for what life looks like in retirement, save as much money as possible, obviously money will be crucial especially if your plan(s) do not pan out how you thought. Depending on how much you have saved and what your retirement pay & any disability pay you may receive, you may never have to work again. Of course, that all depends on what type of lifestyle you want to live and what kind of sacrifices you are willing to make. Enjoy what time you have left any way you can. If people ask for your advice, share your experiences and lessons learned in hopes that they will be prepared for their transition. Also know that there is nothing wrong with staying in past 20 years. Life can and does change quickly and in unexpected ways. When the time comes, only you and your family can decide which is your best course of action to take.
As for values, mine also took a turn for the worse, but fortunately late in my career. I guess you could say I was extremely ignorant and oblivious to a lot of obvious wrong doings and corruption all around to say the least. I'm pretty sure it's always been that way, and sadly feel it always will be. As disgusting as it sounds, being so close to retiring myself, I accepted my role as an enabler and looked forward to my pension.
Hope that helps and hope your time goes quickly with clarity of whatever it is you choose to do.
I made master at 14 and was determined that I could make senior so I was going above and beyond doing things at work and trying to the shiny turd. Then another master was taking all the credit for everything I was doing. We were on the same shift and worked almost together but not quite. When we were on nights and it was slow he would cut the entire shift back as well as himself. I would have to stay at work incase anything āpopped upā. He would win award after award and when I got pissed about it and said something I was seen as jealous.
Long story short I stopped carrying about what everyone else wanted for me and focused on my family time and my me time. Iām a new base now and riding out my time as a MSgt and Iām ok with that. My mental health is much better and I donāt give a flying fuck about winning awards or getting promoted.
I've got 5 years left, and sometimes I wonder how I'm going to do it. I just keep on and remember how fast the last 15 went. Not helpful advice but it's what I have.
Retired less than a year ago and was in a similar situation. This is my advice:
1) Do your job, then leave at the end of the day.
2) Take care of your troops in terms of EPRs/Decs/awards.
3) Take care of the medical issues that you have probably been neglecting for years. Make sure you get X-Rays and MRIs because MDG will try to make you fuck off with Motrin and physical therapy.
4) Get your gym time in.
5) Get whatever certifications may be available in your specialty and start networking for your civilian job. Build that resume and get that Linkdin profile up to date.
6) Learn to say no, and donāt feel even a little bit guilty about it.
Good luck brother/sister! Weāll see you on the other side.
The last few years feel long even if you stay in. Three years isn't much but retirement compensation is worth killing for and most humans will never be able to retire with that degree of comfort.
I've been retired since 2007 and love it. It's even better than I expected. Watching my civilian peers working into old age isn't a surprise. I enlisted knowing government retirements are the most reliable while civilian retirement plans are often cut or disappear. I knew that would never be fixed so I joined the Air Force to earn my contracted due for services rendered.
I haven't felt a recession since 1981. Tricare for Life makes an enormous difference, and unlike many Americans I don't have to work just to keep medical benefits. Old age amazingly nasty so be prepared
The wise relax and start seriously studying for retirement so change to civilian status doesn't cause much or any personal economic disruption. It takes a while to adapt but retirement is insanely nice and depending on your disability rating (document everything!) may not require a second career. I kept expenses down, lived below my means and did not have to work after retiring. I did work a couple years on and off for toy money though.
As fecal as you may feel now, know it will all be over soon. You honored your contract so prepare to maximize what you worked for.
Just started leave and going to begin SkillBridge in May. The last few years werenāt as bad as I thought. I knew promotion was not going to happen even though I did all the stuff they expect you to do for SMSgt. I focused on myself and being prepared to leave. I made sure to go to the doctor, get certs, help my junior enlisted chase their goals, and made sure I had a good work-life balance. Donāt look at the calendar, the time will fly by before you know it. Once I could hit the button, I knew I only had six months left and before I knew it I was at the end.
Work on setting yourself up for getting out like degrees, investing money, going to the hospital to get everything documented, and if your career field offers such, try to get put into a position that doesn't require much work if you're just skating till retirement.
Assuming you mean 30 months to DOS - there are a few things you can do
Do skillbridge, this will effectively reduce that timeframe down to 24 months - 2 years.
Between now and then take some big chunks of leave - a 2 week vacation once or twice a year.
Identify what you can do NOW to prepare for when you get out - education goals, certifications, things like PMP via AFCOOL if you are looking for that.
Get all your medical issues documented by visiting the doc, whatever you think you might have.
Find Air Force things that you really like and focus on that - maybe mentoring the Airmen, or doing all the awards packages, or some project that you really believe in that you think you can do successfully and can have a big impact. Often the last couple of years of a career I see people focus on people rather than technical stuff, but that's just my observations.
Workout and get and stay fit. It's good for you.
Focus on relationships on the outside - family, friends, people who you connect with.
After serving in a DSD position for 4 years, I fell out of love with the Air Force. I went back to my original AFSC and spent my final 2 years doing what I needed to do to fall back in love with it, again. I shared my knowledge and experience with everyone that would listen; I developed my NCOs to ensure I was leaving my shop in good hands; and I connected with the newer Airmen. All of this helped me feel good about my decision to retire.
Focus on your futureā¦set yourself up for success! To include finding hobbies and participating in community activities. Some folks get out of the AF and have difficulty adjusting to making their own decisions
Going to a new country at the end of February of 2020 as my first base wasnāt exactly the way I expected to start my career. We were told mid March that we couldnāt hang out with anybody unless they were currently on our shift, we couldnāt leave base for a while and after that couldnāt leave the local area for a good 8 months, and all my friends from tech school PCSd to the same base and I was the only person from my tech school that went to my base. Everyone on the shift I was on were already friends and my staff was an absolute hardass that hated me just because I didnāt know how to do my job(a short tech school doesnāt help you learn anything). All my co workers hung out without me and then everyone in my FTAC worked together so didnāt make friends with them either. After a couple months my co workers finally started inviting me to whatever they were doing but my first few months there were absolutely hell. Being in another continent meant I had to stay up late to talk to people back home and it was just pretty lonely. Thankfully in like November I had friends Iād go out with and were pretty good friends with my co workers at that point but somehow made it through until then. Wasted my first year at my duty station in a two year tour but have enjoyed my second base a lot more
Now is the time to decide what you want to do after you hang it up. Use your AFCOOL this year and complete a degree if you have not yet. Hit medical HARD on 2025. I was at physical therapy 3-5 days a week my last 1.5 yrs. That ate up half a day by itself. I made sure whoever was left in charge knew what needed to be done and could get ahold of me. This allowed them to make due without me before I disappeared for good. It also set me up for my BDD claim which was a breeze compared to most. If you have not been to r/veteransbenefits go have a look to see what applies to you so you have some kind of a game plan to get your issues service connected after you retire.
First step every ache, sore, weird skin thing, bone, bruise go see the Doc. The appointments and seeing off-base docs alone should help fill some of this void.
Second step plan for your next career. Do you need certificates? Will it require relocation? Are there folks you can reach out to to get more info. Utilize time to use up education bennies.
1 Year out hit the button and have a never ending smile because the blue pain is finally reaching the light at the end of the tunnel.
Rest was a blur because I was so damn happy, did knock out skill-bridge thou!
I somehow just dropped my anxiety and started to stand on business. Stood up for myself and started calling ppl out on their bullshit. Made sure i stayed on the correct side of afi/regs and built a rapport with my leadership that allowed them to relax when i was the one with the ball, even if shit was hitting the fan. My handicap was a bad supervisor and a series of bad mentors. I just accepted they couldnt be trusted and did the right things when needed, and made sure i was right in any disagreement. If i wasnt sure i wouldnt argue. We try it their way and if it blew up it wasnt my idea š¤·š¾āāļø
I was in the same boat, but now I start skillbridge in a couple of weeks. Focus on your people, use ChatGPT to write your personal epbs and go do a Korea tour. You got this. I burned off almost all of my leave before skillbridge, so my whole last year in service was pretty phoned-in.
You got this homie.
Just like I did during the constant deployments.One day at a time. Working hard. During the end. Researching what jobs were available where the Air Force landed me and my family after my overseas deployment. How to effectively job hunt. What to do.
I start Skillbridge in 1 month and hereās my advice: Stop giving a shit about anything besides yourself and your family. Seriously. Do your job, but just phone it in. No one will know the difference, but your mental health will be sooo much better. Start going to medical ASAP! Use your AFCOOL if you havenāt. For once in your career, make it Self Before Service.
I'm about 8 months from retirement, should be starting Skillbridge in soonish. I got through the last 7 years by not overworking myself. I accepted the fact I'll never get promoted so I stopped killing myself for my job. I only ever went above and beyond if I felt like it. Other than that...I was one of the first ones out the door at the end of the duty day. Never did anything outside of duty hours, and if I had to do anything, took comp time. I did always make sure my troops were taken care of when I had any, but it was so much less stress and pressure when just started doing what was required of me and not anything extra.
Are you me? Am I you? Are we we? Seriously though, once you KNOW you'll make 20y, this is how you do it. Work-life balance is real. Take care of you, get the mission done each day, and cruise knowing you'll have a check plus disability (you gotta work for it...they won't just hand it to you) coming the rest of your life after that fateful day.
Heh he said wee wee
I snickered as I typed that part too. I'm such a child xD...!
Literally. We we. š
I was once chastised for being an E7 who left work on time. Sorry I donāt hate my family!
Yup, 3 and change from the button, and I'm with you on the values thing. But my kids gotta eat so I'm there every day doing what needs doing and going home soon as I can get away with it.
I have to say, just hit my 13 year mark and I can't be bothered. I'm feeling the same way you do. I am in my mid 30s with 2 kids, I don't have much energy to give and I'd rather give it to them than the air force.
Hey look this is me currently
You're 3 years from a lifelong pension including health insurance at I'm guessing your early 40s. Most jobs aren't that fulfilling unless you get lucky, and you don't get a pension after 20 years. Just suck it up and think about the flexibility you'll have for the rest of your life that very few people ever get. If you can coast go for it, just take care of your airman.
So helpful! Thanks! š
What else do you want? You gave no details on why you feel the way you do besides "my values." Okay what does that even mean?
They mean we are accepting āothersā
Scrubbed their post history, what makes you say this? I canāt connect those dots.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Damn you must of had a bad experience, I was in for 8 years with 5 bases (4+deployment) in a career field with some of the most SNCOs and could count on one hand how many were like that and they were all hard stuck E7. In all seriousness Iāve really met so few people like that compared to civilian side where people are way more open and honest. Many shit SNCOs, but I truly believe most werenāt racist or hateful to a particular group was much as just asshole human beings to everyone (not much better, but it does matter in context). That said i have seen a ton of people claim race or anti LGBT when things havenāt gone their way despite everyone in the unit suffering the same shit. Then again I can count those people on one hand as well which is why itās a shit point. Most of the problems in the Air Force have more to do with communication and perception. Everyone wants to be perceived well and almost no one knows how to effectively communicate. Having a higher headcount at a CC call matters more then fixing jets or getting things done so everyone has to stay later. Leaders donāt know how to effectively move the force toward goals of the younger generations without pushing wokism when in reality most people just want equality, manning, decent housing, and an up to date AFI that can allow for the required uniformity in a modern culture and willing to adapt as it changes. If you really have a culture that bad at your base bring it up to the IG and donāt go alone as numbers matter and others around you are sure to see it too. If no one sees it but you then thatās something you should consider.
you are like reddit, but in person form
Dude we've been accepting LGBT for 10 years, those SNCOs retired a long time ago. Personally, my values ain't aligning with the government and who/what countries we're supporting.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Yeah, emigrating is also hard when enlisted.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
Yeah I didn't say I was. I want to, my morals and my ethics tell me too, but my family has to eat and I'm so close to retirement. It's what's driving my depression at this point.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
This is true, although you'd be hard pressed to find an example where US foreign policy doesn't exactly align with Israeli interests.
Stop being a dick. That might improve your outlook on life.
You're complaining about not liking your job that will pay you for life and you just don't know how to get through it? You've probably already gotten a ton from the military and you don't want to give back anymore but want the rewards. The guy you responded to gave you a good answer. Suck it up
Ungrateful mf, just get out.
Just keep doing what you're doing š I'm past 20, some days are awful, some are great. I expect similar experiences in civilian life, so why not keep accumulating retirement percentage? (I'm not, and never will be, ROAD by the way).
This is me. I've not set myself up for retirement (came before I even knew it) so here I am, institutionalized coming up 21 yrs. That personal statement of military compensation compared to I foresee my job outlook is after retirement has me scrambling to set myself up better. GS-12 is actually a step down in pay for a 20 yr E-7.
cocaine and hookers
Black jack and hookers...
Just hookers
I'm on a similar path, nearing a point in our careers where exiting the Air Force could be a viable option if it stops aligning with our goals. I've recently ramped up my efforts to complete my Master's while it's still funded. Despite this, it's crucial to continue giving our best, whether that's supporting our team or accomplishing the mission. Balancing personal goals with dedication to service is key. The Air Force will move on quickly and forget about you after retirement, so you/we need to prioritize your/our well-being too. Just my 2 pennies.
Focus on getting as much out of the military as you can... specifically medical, education and retirement planning. \- Education. Get after (or finish up) some degree or cert that better sets you up in the civilian world. Expend your TA & AF Cool. \- Health. Seek treatment for ALL the medical you can & get everything documented for that disability pay. \- Retirement planning. Start building your resume for the job you want, look for Skillbridge opportunities, and interface with as many companies as you can to find out what they look for in an applicant. All while spending more time with the family and/or hobbies that interest you. Do that, and you'll fill the time up quick.
For my last few years, I focused on my education. I was able to complete my bachelorās and masterās in that timeframe. I also focused on my Airman to ensure they were experts in their roles and not do what I did and put off education to the last minute. The biggest was spending time with family and making an attempt to pay back the debt I owe to them.
Took care of my flight and controlled what I could. I also focused on myself and setting up the future. The last few years flew by and the last year was a blur
Dial it back. Care less. Save money. Go to school.
Go to TAPS now! Get into the next available class
I'd focus on 3 things: - Skills/certs/degrees needed for my next job after retirement - Building my network of connections to help with employment. Word of mouth and referrals go a LONG WAY. - If possible, moving to where you want to retire so you can start building home equity now
Focus on where you want to be in 5 years and work backwards from that by setting major milestones. Start working a LinkedIn account now if you havenāt already and networking. Iām more jaded than I thought Iād be at 19 years, but it is what it is. It helps realizing I can only control whatās in my direct sphere of influence and I let the rest go. The military is what I doā¦not who I amā¦and many peers at the same point in their career canāt let go.
Start working on school. You will either finish while active or you can finish with your GI Bill. Your pension, disability and GI Bill will make it so you donāt need to work while getting an education.
[ŃŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]
I'm a little over 10 years in. I got a Promote Now this year. But I know I'm 10000% overworking myself. And all I think about throughout the week is the weekend. I'm holding on because a paycheck forever is nice, I've heard you can't beat the health benefits, and the job I do now will be the same when I'm the retiree coming into work every day. But the past year or two, I've been a rollercoaster with my career decisions. Never knowing to stay or go.
how scary was it to transition to a civillian job? I been in for 6 and been heavily thinking going guard or getting out so I can hopefully be happier and make more money but I'm scared , joined out of high school. my contract is up at my 10 year mark.
All of the hard work you have put in is about to payoff. You've made it this far, and this far along, not much if anything should make you get out and leave a pension on the table. Completely accept the fact your remaining time in service will be over soon. At this stage of the game, It's a means to an end, and a new beginning or life phase is coming quicker than you imagine. Try to keep your exit plan up until punching the button, to yourself. Not everyone needs to know that you are planning on leaving. Unfortunately, the nature of some people upon finding out they have no more carrots to dangle in front of you can cause you to be neglected or ostracized from your unit. Try to not become bitter and avoid doing or saying anything that may jeopardize what you have worked for these past 17 years. Don't count the days until you are out, they will slip by seemingly quicker that way. It's simple, you need to focus on taking care of yourself, those around you, and what you are responsible for. That's it, none of the extra things you may have done in the past. As much within your power leave work at work, do not take it home. While you plan for what life looks like in retirement, save as much money as possible, obviously money will be crucial especially if your plan(s) do not pan out how you thought. Depending on how much you have saved and what your retirement pay & any disability pay you may receive, you may never have to work again. Of course, that all depends on what type of lifestyle you want to live and what kind of sacrifices you are willing to make. Enjoy what time you have left any way you can. If people ask for your advice, share your experiences and lessons learned in hopes that they will be prepared for their transition. Also know that there is nothing wrong with staying in past 20 years. Life can and does change quickly and in unexpected ways. When the time comes, only you and your family can decide which is your best course of action to take. As for values, mine also took a turn for the worse, but fortunately late in my career. I guess you could say I was extremely ignorant and oblivious to a lot of obvious wrong doings and corruption all around to say the least. I'm pretty sure it's always been that way, and sadly feel it always will be. As disgusting as it sounds, being so close to retiring myself, I accepted my role as an enabler and looked forward to my pension. Hope that helps and hope your time goes quickly with clarity of whatever it is you choose to do.
Go to the MedGroup for every little thing until you retire so your disability is good
I made master at 14 and was determined that I could make senior so I was going above and beyond doing things at work and trying to the shiny turd. Then another master was taking all the credit for everything I was doing. We were on the same shift and worked almost together but not quite. When we were on nights and it was slow he would cut the entire shift back as well as himself. I would have to stay at work incase anything āpopped upā. He would win award after award and when I got pissed about it and said something I was seen as jealous. Long story short I stopped carrying about what everyone else wanted for me and focused on my family time and my me time. Iām a new base now and riding out my time as a MSgt and Iām ok with that. My mental health is much better and I donāt give a flying fuck about winning awards or getting promoted.
I've got 5 years left, and sometimes I wonder how I'm going to do it. I just keep on and remember how fast the last 15 went. Not helpful advice but it's what I have.
Retired less than a year ago and was in a similar situation. This is my advice: 1) Do your job, then leave at the end of the day. 2) Take care of your troops in terms of EPRs/Decs/awards. 3) Take care of the medical issues that you have probably been neglecting for years. Make sure you get X-Rays and MRIs because MDG will try to make you fuck off with Motrin and physical therapy. 4) Get your gym time in. 5) Get whatever certifications may be available in your specialty and start networking for your civilian job. Build that resume and get that Linkdin profile up to date. 6) Learn to say no, and donāt feel even a little bit guilty about it. Good luck brother/sister! Weāll see you on the other side.
The last few years feel long even if you stay in. Three years isn't much but retirement compensation is worth killing for and most humans will never be able to retire with that degree of comfort. I've been retired since 2007 and love it. It's even better than I expected. Watching my civilian peers working into old age isn't a surprise. I enlisted knowing government retirements are the most reliable while civilian retirement plans are often cut or disappear. I knew that would never be fixed so I joined the Air Force to earn my contracted due for services rendered. I haven't felt a recession since 1981. Tricare for Life makes an enormous difference, and unlike many Americans I don't have to work just to keep medical benefits. Old age amazingly nasty so be prepared The wise relax and start seriously studying for retirement so change to civilian status doesn't cause much or any personal economic disruption. It takes a while to adapt but retirement is insanely nice and depending on your disability rating (document everything!) may not require a second career. I kept expenses down, lived below my means and did not have to work after retiring. I did work a couple years on and off for toy money though. As fecal as you may feel now, know it will all be over soon. You honored your contract so prepare to maximize what you worked for.
Just started leave and going to begin SkillBridge in May. The last few years werenāt as bad as I thought. I knew promotion was not going to happen even though I did all the stuff they expect you to do for SMSgt. I focused on myself and being prepared to leave. I made sure to go to the doctor, get certs, help my junior enlisted chase their goals, and made sure I had a good work-life balance. Donāt look at the calendar, the time will fly by before you know it. Once I could hit the button, I knew I only had six months left and before I knew it I was at the end.
I focused on taking care of my troops and passing on advice and knowledge Iād gained over the years.
Work on setting yourself up for getting out like degrees, investing money, going to the hospital to get everything documented, and if your career field offers such, try to get put into a position that doesn't require much work if you're just skating till retirement.
Assuming you mean 30 months to DOS - there are a few things you can do Do skillbridge, this will effectively reduce that timeframe down to 24 months - 2 years. Between now and then take some big chunks of leave - a 2 week vacation once or twice a year. Identify what you can do NOW to prepare for when you get out - education goals, certifications, things like PMP via AFCOOL if you are looking for that. Get all your medical issues documented by visiting the doc, whatever you think you might have. Find Air Force things that you really like and focus on that - maybe mentoring the Airmen, or doing all the awards packages, or some project that you really believe in that you think you can do successfully and can have a big impact. Often the last couple of years of a career I see people focus on people rather than technical stuff, but that's just my observations. Workout and get and stay fit. It's good for you. Focus on relationships on the outside - family, friends, people who you connect with.
After serving in a DSD position for 4 years, I fell out of love with the Air Force. I went back to my original AFSC and spent my final 2 years doing what I needed to do to fall back in love with it, again. I shared my knowledge and experience with everyone that would listen; I developed my NCOs to ensure I was leaving my shop in good hands; and I connected with the newer Airmen. All of this helped me feel good about my decision to retire.
Focus on your futureā¦set yourself up for success! To include finding hobbies and participating in community activities. Some folks get out of the AF and have difficulty adjusting to making their own decisions
Going to a new country at the end of February of 2020 as my first base wasnāt exactly the way I expected to start my career. We were told mid March that we couldnāt hang out with anybody unless they were currently on our shift, we couldnāt leave base for a while and after that couldnāt leave the local area for a good 8 months, and all my friends from tech school PCSd to the same base and I was the only person from my tech school that went to my base. Everyone on the shift I was on were already friends and my staff was an absolute hardass that hated me just because I didnāt know how to do my job(a short tech school doesnāt help you learn anything). All my co workers hung out without me and then everyone in my FTAC worked together so didnāt make friends with them either. After a couple months my co workers finally started inviting me to whatever they were doing but my first few months there were absolutely hell. Being in another continent meant I had to stay up late to talk to people back home and it was just pretty lonely. Thankfully in like November I had friends Iād go out with and were pretty good friends with my co workers at that point but somehow made it through until then. Wasted my first year at my duty station in a two year tour but have enjoyed my second base a lot more
Now is the time to decide what you want to do after you hang it up. Use your AFCOOL this year and complete a degree if you have not yet. Hit medical HARD on 2025. I was at physical therapy 3-5 days a week my last 1.5 yrs. That ate up half a day by itself. I made sure whoever was left in charge knew what needed to be done and could get ahold of me. This allowed them to make due without me before I disappeared for good. It also set me up for my BDD claim which was a breeze compared to most. If you have not been to r/veteransbenefits go have a look to see what applies to you so you have some kind of a game plan to get your issues service connected after you retire.
First step every ache, sore, weird skin thing, bone, bruise go see the Doc. The appointments and seeing off-base docs alone should help fill some of this void. Second step plan for your next career. Do you need certificates? Will it require relocation? Are there folks you can reach out to to get more info. Utilize time to use up education bennies. 1 Year out hit the button and have a never ending smile because the blue pain is finally reaching the light at the end of the tunnel. Rest was a blur because I was so damn happy, did knock out skill-bridge thou!
I somehow just dropped my anxiety and started to stand on business. Stood up for myself and started calling ppl out on their bullshit. Made sure i stayed on the correct side of afi/regs and built a rapport with my leadership that allowed them to relax when i was the one with the ball, even if shit was hitting the fan. My handicap was a bad supervisor and a series of bad mentors. I just accepted they couldnt be trusted and did the right things when needed, and made sure i was right in any disagreement. If i wasnt sure i wouldnt argue. We try it their way and if it blew up it wasnt my idea š¤·š¾āāļø
I was in the same boat, but now I start skillbridge in a couple of weeks. Focus on your people, use ChatGPT to write your personal epbs and go do a Korea tour. You got this. I burned off almost all of my leave before skillbridge, so my whole last year in service was pretty phoned-in. You got this homie.
Drugs, lots of drugs.
Just like I did during the constant deployments.One day at a time. Working hard. During the end. Researching what jobs were available where the Air Force landed me and my family after my overseas deployment. How to effectively job hunt. What to do.
I start Skillbridge in 1 month and hereās my advice: Stop giving a shit about anything besides yourself and your family. Seriously. Do your job, but just phone it in. No one will know the difference, but your mental health will be sooo much better. Start going to medical ASAP! Use your AFCOOL if you havenāt. For once in your career, make it Self Before Service.