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As I have not found any other threads touching this topic, I would like to share my experience.
Life in the Military may seem like a hard, cold place in which will drain you of any pieces of yourself that you once held on to. Family life generally takes the back seat to your Military family, and your life choices are directed for you. But..
In retrospect, the Military creates the stability of career and paycheque, not to mention the pride and respect for ones career.
I would like to make a few points I wish I had really looked into before I released at the end of my VIE (Variable Initial Engagement).
I hope this makes some people really think about their decision to release. I know I regret the decision.
**I know you forum veterans are probably thinking that this is just a personal problem, but I know my mistake and am trying to help others. Thanks.
Life in the Military may seem like a hard, cold place in which will drain you of any pieces of yourself that you once held on to. Family life generally takes the back seat to your Military family, and your life choices are directed for you. But..
In retrospect, the Military creates the stability of career and paycheque, not to mention the pride and respect for ones career.
I would like to make a few points I wish I had really looked into before I released at the end of my VIE (Variable Initial Engagement).
- Make 100% sure you are financially ready. I was 99% sure and now, a year later I am hurting. I have a mortgage, 2 kids, 2 cars - and the Ontario economy is not very accommodating IMO. I left with a great job in the IT sector but within 3 mos was cut back. Hence Job stability.
- Really think about why you want out. I left because my wife demands to be first. Not good enough. After I left the wife realized I was unable to provide for her half of the things I could whilst 'in'. And now, I am working twice as much and making half the wage. This is where the respect comes in. I now have very little respect for my work as it is not a job one can be proud of.
- Think about why you joined in the first place. Whether it was a challenge, or something new to try. I joined because every time I had seen the ads, or read the articles, I had that butterflies in the stomach feeling, and needed to follow my gut. Now, I am rejoining, and I have that feeling in my gut again. Point is, follow your heart, or I guess gut, with your facts straight.
I hope this makes some people really think about their decision to release. I know I regret the decision.
**I know you forum veterans are probably thinking that this is just a personal problem, but I know my mistake and am trying to help others. Thanks.