For the past 10 days we have been deciding what to do with our future. Ten days ago Nick was given the opportunity to voluntarily separate from the Air Force. We weighed the pros and cons. We thought long and hard. We decided it would be best for our family to take the separation way out. Say what?!
How did we get to our decision? It was hard. Very hard. We feel strongly to wanting to settle down in one place for the kids to grow up and not move around every 3-4 years. Knowing we have the opportunity to live in one place as the kids grow up makes our hearts happy! True, we could always move with promotions in a new company, but those aren't forced onto you and you can always turn them down.
The military is also downsizing like no other! Hubs was supposed to be going up for the Major's board next year, but the AF has not even promoted the Major's from 2 years ago. So, with that, Nick won't even be up for the board for 2 years, then 4 years until he'd put on. That's all if they don't cancel next years board. So, with his original plans to retire at 20 as a Lt. Colonel, he has no chance now (at 20). If promotions were happening at the rate of before, we might not be considering this get out option either. But they are, and he's just not seeing growth in the military.
The downsides to getting out sooner than retirement? Obviously the retirement paycheck every month for the rest of his life. The other, it's pretty huge too, family insurance. It's so over priced outside the military, but we'll hopefully get jobs that offer insurance/benefits.
With all of Nick's experience, we feel he will be able to land a successful, well paying job that can offer our family new possibilities. He's looking to get a job in Human Resources. I know he can do it! He's already applied to a few jobs and has been talking to military talent management firms.
Our next steps is to figure out where we want to settle down. Right now our focus is on the East Coast (DC and below) and also Minnesota.
What are we going to do if we can find successful jobs (paying what we make now) in this economy? I'll have to stop my master's program and get a job. We can live in a tiny apartment until we get on our feet. Not what we want, but it can be done. We'll figure it all out and pray really really hard.
We're both pretty excited! On Tuesday he will go into work and officially apply. We pray his application will be accepted, and we'll be officially on our way out.
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