I can do anything I want. What should it be?

Question

I'll soon be 23, and getting out of the military after serving 4 years. I'm not married, don't have any kids. I've been saving really well this past year, and I have several thousands of dollars in savings. I'll have the freedom to whatever I want, and I have had so many ideas I'm just looking for an opinion. I could see myself doing anything from sitting in a hammock in Mexico, to going to school full-time and working. What did you do when you got out of the military? What was unique about the transition? Any regrets you had? Any advice for me? Thanks for your service!

Answer 1

Keep saving it until you need it, you won't be sorry later.  Wait until you have a job to replace the money spent on a vacation (as much as you may deserve it now).

Answer 2

Get a college degree with the GI Bill.

Answer 3

Stephen,

First - I want to thank you for your service to our country and freedom.

I got out of the USAF after my second enlistment. I finished my BS degree, and eventually went for my masters degree. I spent several years as a civilian (well, a vet really) then went back in the military (Navy) with a commission. I really missed the camaraderie, and we liked the idea of our kids experiencing living overseas for a while.

We had just PCS'd back CONUS when 9/11 then occurred. I retired last year.

As far as transitioning back to civilian life - you'll find you're much more mature than those you graduated high school with. You have more discipline, and more leadership experience. It will almost seem like you're not familiar to them.

Good luck to you, Stephen, I wish you well. I'll tell ya - you'll miss the Air Force.

"Ranger"

Answer 4

Do yourself a favor. Stay in for 16 more years.

Answer 5

well

firstly

thanks for serving the country

now, I would suggest you go to college. State school would be a good place. While the first few months will be difficult, because of the young happy naive kids, it is the best thing to do to secure your future.

Answer 6

JW.C has a good point. Several thousands of dollars ain't enough. Not in this economy. Being a beach bum sounds great! I'd love to unstrap myself from this wheelchair and do it.

Your best bet would be to go to school full, take advantage of you GI bill benefits. I have a friend who was thinking like you and wound up losing his life to alcohol because he thought he could just drift thought life.

Besides in the military you've got it made. Three hots and a cot. Free travel and medical, which is a great BIG plus. Yeah you got the occasional asshloe NCOIC or OIC, but what the h**l, you get 'em in the civilian world too. And out here, they are even bigger pricks.

Answer 7

I strongly agree they said you should take advantage of the GI Bill for college. But make sure you have enough money to pay for all you need. If you enjoy the military life, you can go back to serve and get your degree while you are in there. I honestly don't think several thousands dollars enough for moving in a new place unless you live with your parents.