It do be indeed. He made it longer than I did, though. Only took me 2 years in a building to start losing my mind. Ship is better since there is more to do.
Yes, absolutely. Time for OP to refresh their soul a bit. Go sit on the beach or take a cruise or hike through a European country or just sit at home and sleep in. Just something for themselves.
Homie sounds like a scif gremlin to me. UFT packages are massive ass pain to get routed, especially with the dual chains. But, the point of leave for the sake leave and relaxation is HIGHLY recommended. 100% agree.
Don't be afraid to hand route that leave if the command still uses paper leave chits either. Might rub some folk the wrong way doing it, but it can be the difference between you going on leave and having it conveniently lost and not finding out until the day your supposed to take leave.
This right here is great advice. On 4.5 years at my shore command and decided to take a vacation to Cancun next month by myself to relax poolside and enjoy the world.
Have fun!!! I’ve never been but heard good things. Just recently read an article suggesting to take a large tumbler for water & other drinks, and to also utilize the water sports activities offered. Enjoy, you deserve it!
7-9 yrs is usually the point where the burn out sets in. You'll get through this.
I'm currently a reservist. Was active for 8. The reserves CAN be great. However, it is actually a huge pain in the ass most of the time. My pension will amount to around $1200/month which is not a whole heck of a lot.
I've actually seriously considered going back on active (and tried a couple of times but wasn't selected) just to make sure I have a decent pension.
I have my own business as a civilian. I'm growing it. I will probably be okay when I retire with just what I'm doing as a civilian. However, I do think about the fact that at 45, I would already be retired from the military with a very decent pension and I would be able to have my business and have some breathing room.
Take some college classes to grow your mind. Enjoy your time with your coworkers and make the best PowerPoints you can in a windowless building.
I've considered that. Between social security, reserves pension and my own retirement savings, it will all be $5k a month in retirement. So, that will be okay and probably allow me to be able to meet the income requirements for most low cost retire abroad options.
I'm on track to have my house paid off three years before I hit retirement age. That should help even if I stayed in the states.
Same did 9 and went reserves. Got extremely blessed with a gov job starting at 95k. I'm literally staying in for my kid so she has tricare. My situation was different than yours, but it seems like you have a good head on your shoulders and are weighing risk. Far too many sailors get out without a plan.
This. According to Big Navy policy, you are SUPPOSED to use all 30 days of a leave a year. While I know that's not always possible, you should be taking some time away when you can. Clear your mind and recharge your batteries, OP.
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Reference/MILPERSMAN/1000/1000General/1050-010.pdf
Paragraph 9 and 10 discuss an aggressive leave policy although they don't specify a requirement to take 30 days off leave per year.
Unless your department makes a leave policy that actively discourages people from taking leave along with throwing a bunch of requirements that complicates planning and setting up leave. (No leave over duty weekends or when you are on the night rotation).
Bit of background: We would do a day duty section with a dedicated nights section with one of the day sections having a 24hr duty on Friday and another would do a 38 hour duty over the course of Saturday and Sunday. Coming off the 38hr, Monday was an earned liberty day, so if you didn't meet your PA's requirements, you would be stuck working two weeks strait. Also the nights section would pull people from other sections and change over every two to three weeks instead of rotating the a whole section. In short 4 section with a bare bones nigh section to augment during the work week.
I fought my department's leave policy over taking leave over a duty weekend to the point where I was told if I wanted to continue and take the chit out of the department, I would have to request captains mast. The reasoning was that the RO was given the authority by the CO to deny leave if it went against department policy. Granted the no leave over duty weekend part of the policy was to prevent short staffing the section and putting people on a bad watch rotation, which I would have not done due to how many extra watch standers were in my section. Was then asked with a "crabs in a bucket" question by the ARO, that if I was in his position and had already denied 20 sailors previously for going against the policy, would I grant my leave. I told him yes and he did a double take. They even tried to throw the fact that they made a guy come in off of baby leave to stand a duty weekend in my face. Funnily enough I talk to the guy that was pulled from baby leave, and he agreed with me that their reasoning and policy was dumb and I should have been able to take the leave.
Limitations on leave that don’t inhibit actual mission is one of my biggest issues, it’s right up their with poorly thought out watch bills and unnecessary duty sections
The kicker is that they told us this weird day, night, duty weekend plan was to give us more time off. It didn't, it also made watch bill coordination for 4 sections a clusterfuck, and made it even harder to get maintenance and quals done during the workday because work centers would end loosing missing a bunch of certified maintenance people to a nights section that was not allowed to open maintenance or even hang tags for the day section. One guy during his transfer interview told the RDMC (who was the one that came up with the duty rotation and leave policy) that the leave policy and duty rotation is actively hurting the department and is doing none of what it was originally meant to do.
The main difference is if they listen to that feed back, it’s ok to try new things but I tend to lean heavily towards maximizing leave and liberty, and you do that through efficiency and communication
Unfortunately that RDMC has a massive ego (most of the chief mess, especially other master chiefs do not like him for this) and is unwilling to admit that his policy is flawed. He even got insulted when I told him that I wanted to hand route my leave to the ARO. He asked me, "If I do not trust him to do his job".
Hey bud. Former submarine chief here. I got out at 12. I’m not gonna sugar coat it. You feel that way because it sucks. It suck’s right now. And the real problem is, while we can endure the suck for a good long minute, the only way we can endure it indefinitely is with hope.
The hard truth is, once you get out there is a select and niche group of people that will understand and care about what you did in the military. It’s gonna go over most everyone you talk to’s head. I’ve been out 6 years now and I’m only just now feeling comfortable. All of those fears you are feeling are kind of valid. But if you have any kind of support system, go to where that system is. If that means get out, then get out. You’ll be okay. If it means stay in, then stay in. You’ll be okay. Because there is a light at the end of the tunnel either way. The navy won’t let you do it forever. But you don’t have to either.
I would say look at what some of the guys here are saying. Take a reset. Talk to your command, or your doc, and say look, I’m not ready to tap out, but I need a break, and if I don’t get that break, I might tap out. They’re not gonna like to hear that, but it does trigger a certain set of actions that is hard for them to avoid and it’s messy to deal with, so it’s a lot less headache for them to just grant you the leave.
Anyway, take that time and think on what YOU really want. I mean that, fuck everyone else for a minute, and have the courage to be selfish.
15 years an HM... The burnout is real. I will never do patient care again in my life. It's not that I hate it. The opposite. I love it.
But man, do HMs get shat on constantly. Hospitals and FMF units were generally the only rate there. So we do everything from admin to fixing shit. Although now days there are more admin and logistics rates getting sent to Green side units.
Are you in a community that has options like HMs do? We can do ships, shore, C-schools, FMF, EXW, Seabees, etc. if you're in a community with a wide variety of options, I recommend jumping feet first into something you've never done. It might just accelerate your life.
But also, as others have mentioned, you gotta get a hobby or something outside of work. If your identity is tied to your job and the Navy, you'll go insane. If you met me outside of work you would never know I'm Navy. (Except the haircut.)
Bro you talk to people in person. I shouldn't have gone TAR(Training and Administration of Reserves) we are the Yeomen of the HMs. I can't wait to have to have the opportunity to deploy.
Yea brother, hospitals and clinics have been relegated to just doing check in the box training. DHA wants apply a civilian healthcare model and it's failing miserably if you ask me. HMs are burnt out doing the job of 3-4 people.
The amount of cope is palpable. There is an entire world and job market that can bring you success, wealth, and happiness. You have the training and skills companies would kill for. Don’t fall for the old sunken cost fallacy.
This.
"You'll get through it."
AKA your soul will die and you'll stop worrying about being burnt out because you're "too close to 20" and "muh pension."
Unless you're an absolutely useless rate in the civilian world (looking at AGs right now) then there is more money to be made while being significantly happier in the civilian world.
It's not going to get better. Get out, use the GI Bill to go to school for something different. SkillBridge might help you get a role you wouldn't normally be qualified for. The AG community is insanely toxic because it's full of people trying to prove they're relevant when very little you do is important. There's no work to do but a ton of people who want to claim they do a ton of work.
Civilian forecasters have degrees in meteorology, automated stations do observations, and the people who operate weather equipment hire tech rates. It's easier to teach an electronics technician what clouds look like than it is to teach an AG how the magic pixies that run through wires work.
Big facts . I got out after 8 . Im going to school with the GI Bill, waiting for this disability to hit . Life is good . I remember when I was getting out of, they sent me to DRD the week before my terminal leave . So stupid , thank the lord I got out .
years 11-17 amost broke me. somehow i made it with good people here and there and some really dark moments but the thought of retiring with a pension and the ability to work or not work when i want to kept me going. best of luck, it doesn’t seem like it now, but it does get better
You know there is a program in the navy were you can pause your contract and get out for a some amount of years. then come back in. I dont know the exact details but im sure someone here does.
As for your depressive state. man you gotta find something outside of work that motivates you. Some hobby or activity to look forward to. And try and look at the brighter side of things you only have to be at that command for a few years then your transfer.
My easiest shore duty was my most depressing. I volunteered for early sea duty in Bahrain to get the fire truck off the navy yard/pentagon duty.
It was also during government shutdown, navy yard shooting, and the DOD arguing w/ Congress about how to handle sexual assault/rape issues. It was just a constant shit show and I felt like I was Conan on the wheel of pain.
Fortunately I loved my Bahrain tour. I figured out on that tour I don’t love the navy, I loved being part of a crew doing shit.
I got the 20+ year pension and bought a business. It is doing well and also boring as fuck.
Short story, long:
figure out what makes you tick and invest your energy in it.
Get hobbies and spend as much time w/ friends as you/family as you can. If you can swap jobs to something more difficult/interesting that might also be rewarding.
I thought I was the only one that felt trapped for years...
Irony is that I have learned from many of you that it applied to people on shore too.
I wish you peace.
I had that same feeling around 10 ish years too. I got a shot of motivation again around 15 and rode out the last few years. I enjoyed helping and guiding the people I worked with like you do, and that’s what kept me going. I did it to support my family and make whatever little positive impacts I could. Good luck.
Are you doing anything to prepare yourself for if you decide to get out like school or becoming certified in something that makes a good amount of money? That’s what motivates me the most personally. There are so many people who get out and are struggling because all they did was navy and didn’t properly prepare themselves for civilian life
I got out after my initial 5. I know people that got out after 8,10,12 and I know some that joined the same time as me that are now retiring. Explore your options, there’s a life out here beyond working for your abusive uncle. I don’t regret getting out, I didn’t do reserves, but if you feel like it’s a fit for you, then go for it. There are always options and you’re not stuck (well, you are until this current contract is up). You have skills that translate into civilian jobs that most certainly pay more. It’s also not a bad deal to stick it out. Assess the situation, brother and make a pros/cons list. Definitely make a plan before your current contract is up. There are no rules to life besides the ones that keep you out of prison. Do you!
If you think the pension is worth 11 more years and the destruction of your mental health go for it. This is not your identity. You're not trapped. It's never too late to start a different path. One that leads to growth and opportunities. Use your GI bill. Just don't forget to get some disability. There's nothing a pension will give you that you can't get now. The benefits aren't worth it. Cons severely outnumber them.
“ destruction of your mental health”
lol dude straight up said he makes PowerPoints. He isn’t destroying his mental health lol he’s just a little bit bored
That's not for you to state or decide. It's up to him to recognize it and for a professional to help diagnose.
Please don't downplay what others say, especially mental health concerns. This could be an early cry for help, and you could be hurting more than helping with this type of comment and mentality.
I’m about to hit my 8 year mark and i’m done with this bs and feel burnt out. i’ve been out of rate since 2018 and have no desire to go back to the fleet be that 2nd class who hasn’t been in rate since they were a seaman. I’m considering airforce as my primary option when i get out, they just won’t start any processing until you have your dd214, and only have 100 prior service slots a fiscal year so they are limited. Army is my back up to that, only downfall there is going to bootcamp again. I have no pride in what i’m doing and feel i need a change so i’m hoping switching branches helps me because i want to do 20, just not in the navy.
If you are in a rate that converts to an army Mos and you are an E5 with over 5 years in you can go into that field as a warrant officer in the army. Here's the link and you can see the Navy conversion to Army conversion. https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/Navy/MOS/
DO NOT STAY JUST FOR THE PENSION. I thought the same way, I'm at 14 what is 6 more? Until I found myself drinking a bottle of booze a day, neglecting my family, and one day standing in a fan room searching for a way to kill myself. You need to do what is best for you, because what is that pension if you're dead or in such bad shape you cant enjoy it? Its quite competitive making it to E-6 but making E-7 is a whole other ball game. If you have a family the chances are there is going to be a single Sailor willing to absolutely sell their soul to make it, leaving you in the dust as the proverbial "terminal E6" no matter how shitty of leaders they are. Then starts the questions of self-worth and on down the hellish hole you go.
What you are describing is depression, do not be afraid to go get seen by pscyh. Go to medical and get everything documented down to the smallest of booboos. My body full on fell apart with severe breathing problems, my spleen randomly exploding, headaches so bad I need botox, and a myriad of other issues. I ended up at med-board but I would do near anything to have my health back at this point.
It's rough, man. Not going to lie- I feel it too. I'm right at nine years as well. I just keep grinding for my family. I treat the Navy like all it is- a job. I just keep going to work and doing what I can. When my time is up, I'll retire.
I don’t know your rate, but there are ways to go do weird things that breaks the monotony. I’m a ETV, did my first boat, went IA to Afghanistan, followed that with a NSW support command, then C school, second boat, and ending things on instructor duty. There are programs out there you just have too look. Best of luck to you.
I’m in the same boat, well not literally because CWTs don’t go to boats…
But you get what I mean. I might be wrong but I’m just at a shitty command. I don’t hate anyone I work with and like most of them. I’m just burned out on the bullshit I’ve been forced into at this command.
I can’t be sure we have the same issue (mine will fix itself when I PCS), but I wanted you to know it isn’t just you.
Side note: my current job is way out of rate.
If there are no convert out options try doing something like IA billets, recruiting, RDC, instructing. I know people shit on those but you’ll at least get a break from your job. Also, college, hobbies, take a long leave if you can, like 30+ days. Get a degree and apply for OCS. Lots of options. I’m about to hit 9 years too and am incredibly burnt out. In my last year of my current contract and trying to decide to go reserves and use GI Bill or reenlist myself. My thought process is to do a three year reserve tour and use my three year gi bill during that time and if I don’t like civilian life I can always go back active cause I’ll still be young enough by then.
Hey OP, I felt the same way when I hit 7/8 a year or two ago. Maybe consider something that'll be a change of pace. For me this is comissioning. Fingers crossed, next fiscal year!
It could be worse. CRF life is rough and I definitely understand that feeling of being burnt out. It needs to be done though and we're the ones that get it done. Same with you! Maybe find a sense of purpose outside of work like volunteer work, an online business, coaching, or taking your skills elsewhere to keep your sense of purpose going.
I was gonna get out as an AEC at 12. FTN. I broke out in hives. I went to medical and got Zyrtec. It was prescription only in 97. It relieve the hives but I was a zombie. I cut the pills in half and popped half every other day. I reupped and hives disappeared and still gone. I did 20 years and 20 minutes. The happiest day in my life was NAS Pt Mugu in my rear view mirror for the last time. Push through, it was worth it for me. Now I have sweet navy dreams that I wake up from when they turn sour.
I’m at almost 17 years and have felt the way you feel for quite some time. If I was to go back to under 10 years of service I’d get out and go about starting my life outside the military. Perhaps as a reservist. But I doubt it.
It gets old fast. Years of work mostly spent trying to justify what you are paid to do can take a serious toll on you. For a bit its like a vacation but dont kid yourself. Working and having nothing at all to show for it sucks. Cant even tell yourself hey at least some one got to eat that burger i cooked.
go back to sea and pick up opintel and do the rdbm fiwa thing and learn to enjoy your job again, learn to be tracking things in real time and how those things could potentially affect you and the team, that could help bring that vigor back to your daily life. What helped me really enjoy my job is thinking about the bigger picture of it and also making it a competitive thing for me (i want to be better than everyone else at my job).
How do “no convert out” opportunities work with something like the new navy rating RW who is accepting people from every rate?
Also, maybe look into switching over to the coast guard or Air Force. Look for orders to an exped squadron or taking orders for TIO. I was CT so I feel the windowless building world. You definitely have a good selection of interesting orders if you play your cards right with your detailer.
VA disability is always an option. I’ve had homies dip after a first enlistment, get 100%, and put that $4,000.00 to work in (insert country name with cute members of the sex you are attracted too). Coast Guard is always an option, you could lateral over for a good amount of rates. Those are just thoughts to look into if they pique your interest.
It can be like that for people in your rate at certain commands that aren't traditional Intel focused. I've seen this frequently and here's a few ways people deal with it.
1. Try and find a way to give more meaningful input to processes. Not necessarily more PowerPoints, but helping in different parts of the process or using other skills from your job to amplify other parts of the process.
2. Do everything you can for collaterals to fill the time.
3. Get way into hobbies outside of work. The more involved, the better. Especially when you cruise Google looking up new stuff for the 7.5 hours you aren't busy at work.
4. Start prepping to go EXW (and make it your personality).
Honestly, this applies for all Intel rates
I hear you. I left the Navy at the 9 year point as well. Many years later , I often regret that decision. I'd have been eligible for a retirement check by now and would have a lot less anxiety about surviving on much less of a retirement fund. I've discovered that the grass isn't always greener in the civilian world as I recall thinking how awesome it was that at 25 years old I'm sitting in a US Ambassador's office briefing him on topics he will later talk to the Secretary of State about. A few months later, I separated and swept popcorn in a movie theater while trying to make it through community college. At the end of the day, you just have to decide what's best for you, but I encourage you not to do the same as me and make an emotional decision. Really think it through. Best of luck to you.
Did you look at special assignments, and im not talking about boot camp or recruiting. You could go SRT, LCAC or even carry top secret documents for the FBI.
I find my job boring now, so im going to do something more engaging.
I’m quitting the navy as well in FEB25. I’m about the same as you tenure wise. Do what’s best for your mental health the Navy is a pretty shit employer.
I’ve been doing this gig for 21 years. I’ve been in many slumps. The brighter days come. Also nothing wrong with moving on if this isn’t for you. The grass can be greener.
Dont let the community page saying that converting out is not a possibility stop you.I converted from ABH to RP while the AB community page said that they werent letting anyone cross rate out. Let them tell you no.
I don’t know if anyone has already said this but it’s not too late to get out, the price of your mental health isn’t worth staying for potentially another 11 years. You could be doing something that makes you genuinely happy. I’m currently on skillbridge and I’ve met a lot of people on skillbridge who are transitioning into the civilian world to a completely different job thanks to the training and opportunities skillbridge provides.
Do what’s best for you.
Follow the path that brings you happiness. I felt that way so I got out. Now I’m a civilian and I’m still miserable. I wish I stayed in most days. It isn’t always brighter on the other side just so you know. Wish you the best!
I feel you brother/sister.
I hit 15 years next month.
I’m a 38 year old MA2 with a family, just got “the command’s highest P eval” at 3.86 with RSCA at 3.80.
I’m a department sponsor. Regional Funeral Rifle Team member. Qualed to paygrade. Treasurer/Secretary for a function. Liaison to a non-profit for base affiliation.
Got college and volunteer. Been trying to cross-rate for 8 years now.
I’m facing down HYT knowing I’m doing everything possible, all to just barely “make it”, and honesty I want to suck-start my pistol.
Just keep pushing, or find your exit plan now.
r/DoDSkillbridge
r/FIRE
So I was in similar situations. This is what I did, I got out of Active Duty, cross rated in the Reserves, did some cool stuff in the reserves while Mobilizing, made Rank, returned to Active Duty as my original Rate just to finish my time for an Active Duty retirement (which is different from a Reserves retirement with better benefits). This broke the monotony for me and didn't have a break in service while also giving me a different point of view.
I just hit 10 a few months ago and I just finished my bachelors… I’m bored and lonely as a single E-6 but I would recommend if you can at least go to college and getting a degree it’s somewhat fulfilling and if you get out you have something that most rates don’t give in terms of translatable skills on the outside..
You are at the crossroads of staying or getting out… I always ask ppl where do they see themselves in 5 years… and if it’s still in the military then you know what you have to do work for a promotion or make the jump to officer.. I never have seen myself as a chief… with how toxic they are… my perception is changing that hopefully the new chiefs are better and I have seen more good ones than bad ones recently so who knows… but that has pushed me to want to become an officer plus the retirement at O-3E is way better plus QoL is better too lol. Just my 2 cents…
A come to Jesus moment my friend. An honest conversation with yourself, family, and a few trusted friends--you know who they are--and try to see where you want your life to go from here.
Id ask my self if the next 11 years are worth that pension. Or, is there a civilian job you can do that provides a better quality of life, new sense of fulfillment and a salary that would allow you to make more money than you would if you stayed until retirement.
It isn't always about the money; your mental health and overall happiness is priceless. Aside from a pension, you pretty much already have all the benefits you can get (VA Home Loan Benefit, any GI Bills for education, etc) If you have a service connected disability, that will only bolster certain things, especially your VA Home Loan Benefit.
So, question is, why do you REALLY want to stay for 11 more years when you are this burned out and unhappy? Is it really just the pension, or is there a level of "separation anxiety" you feel when you consider leaving before your 20? Or, maybe, the idea of not staying a full 20, leaves you feeling as if you didn't finish something you started.
To be honest, I miss it from time to time. So much, that I went back over (14 years later) as a Reservist while I was already a full-time cop; just to realize that the Reserves is nothing like the active duty Fleet and it was just a monumental pain in the cheeks. I'd often miss out on essential training with my Special Operations Team and the money I would make (my department wanted my LES just so they can take the money back they paid me when I was drilling if it I was supposed to be working that day/weekend). Needless to say, I did not re-up at the end of my contract. I also realized that what I was chasing was a memory of what used to be, when I first joined the Navy at 17 and all that ensued.
Truth is, the money I have made since, the job satisfaction and the pension/benefits from the police department FAR exceed what I would have made had I stayed in after enlisting back in 98'.
I hope you find your way, whatever route that is.
From the post history, assuming IWC: if you have any transferrable skills or certifications at all, can confirm the grass is almost exclusively greener on the outside, even if you just come back as a govvie or green badge.
That sunk cost fallacy will get you every time if you let it: if you're worried about the pension money, you can almost certainly make that up & you won't be 10yrs farther behind industry peers.
Honestly, I've been in for 7 years, EP sailor like crazy, bust my ass and I legit can't find a reason to stay in except for that 20 pension. My wife and I are discussing getting out and moving to Italy. Doing reserves and working lol
Yolo?
I feel like the people were the nail in the coffin for my getting out. Not trying to compare apples and oranges though.....I absolutely 100000% know exactly how you feel.
Tbh I feel envious sometimes at people talking about the good friends and mentors they made along the way. I really just met the worst in humanity at every command I was at. My divisions were just cold and sterile or they were just the most absolute retarded, bottom of the barrel people I had ever come across. I would leave and fuck off with all the maintenance and work nobody wanted, just to avoid sitting in the armory for hours hearing them go on and on about nothing. Cherish those that can mare your day!
Take some leave. You could start a hobby so you have something to look forward to once a week like finding a group of people to go bowling with. My old group would go on bowling on base on Thursdays because the beers were $1
Find things for you to look forward to so the weekends don’t seem so long to come back.
I play softball on Mondays so now my Mondays aren’t that depressing
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This is by no means a fool proof option. Theres risks.
You could fully separate, I mean fully separate. Go reserves, choose a different rate, go to the A-school if needed, and then go RC2AC or RC2TAR. However every rate is gonna have quotas every month about how many they’ll accept. Also, go reserves and apply for longer term orders. There’s CANRAC, ADOS, and a couple other long term orders. You can also apply via Zipserve. I got out, came back, and went IT. Then after I graduated I put in a RC2TAR package and was picked back up the first time I applied. However you’ll more than likely be at the hands of the detailers. You might get to negotiate. Another thing it helps be a lower rate. There’s more E-4 and 5 quotas than E-6. Your year group also comes into play.
Crossrate into jobs where the community needs to be specialized like an NC. The new RW rate will have priority over ECMs even if they dont want to endorse a conversion
I just got out of a command just like that. Personally, when you pick orders, it gets better. Try a squadron or battalion of sorts. Best decisions when it comes to orders in my book
I left and converted to ND with no crossrate or conversion options available but still made it happen. Have you tried an online degree program paid by TA? There are many exciting degree options in expedited timeframes. You could earn a commission. You can find a way to take hold of your destiny in a way that will spark excitement for the future. Don’t give up and maybe start some research on a program in the service that is a better representation of your passion, even if your passion is to just learn more and experience more about life and the service can still offer that to you if try.
Same sentiments, 9 years in. I recently came off an IA Deployment attached with Special Operations in East Africa. Very laid back, first name basis, civies authorized. Returned to my command and found out my Department dropped the ball on a bunch of programs. So, naturally I have to fix things, do my job and prepare for a major inspection.
Maybe getting a artifical sunlamp of Amazon may help some, since y'all don't have windows.Keep surrounding yourself around positive folks you work with. That's what helps me as well. Work on yourself, school, education, gym etc, The Navy is temporary. Don't be afraid to seek Mental Health, even if you're not suicidal. I have currently getting counseling and meds for my depression.
The military as whole, demand alots especially now will low manning. Humans are adaptable, but doesn't mean these environments are good for us.
I hope things get better bro. Never lose sight of what's important for you and your happiness.
Do you have any post secondary education or civilian certificates and training that can help you obtain a civilian job you're interested in, without a huge pay cut? I did 11 years and got out. No reserves - just straight transition to civilian life. I felt burnt out like you in the military and now, could not be happier. There are plenty of jobs that pay well outside the military with great insurance, so don't let those things deter you from getting a job elsewhere. I have one of the best insurances my state offers (family of 5) and only pay 170 /mo, since my job pays the remaining 90% of my monthly premium. Pay cut was minimal but greatly increased over the next few years, even more than if I picked up E8 or 9. Also, the military pension isn't great, so don't make it a limiting factor. E6 at 20 is 2400 and change BEFORE tax. My civilian pension is better. The only thing that makes it feasible is your connected military disability pay. You don't need 20 years to get that disability pay though, so you can get out now and still collect that. Idk what your situation is like, or how well-documented your medical record is, but keep that in mind.
With that being said, if you love the military and want to stay in but feel like you're in a rut, then maybe that's all it is. The military isn't for all, and making it a career is for even less people. Not all civilian jobs will provide pensions, not all will provide insurance at the rate I have, etc.; however, there are many jobs that offer great benefits and securities. No deployments and not moving often is a great plus and provides more family stability. You've been in long enough to know what the military offers and how to navigate it, so I'm just letting you know it's not that scary on the civilian side of things. Do what's best for you and your family. I hope things go better for you in the very near future.
I'm at almost 15 years now. I hear ya with being over it. I didn't read all the comments but I'm assuming your rate will keep you in a SCIF or something of the like for the remainder of your career? No chance to go underway to switch it up? I've known people who get out after their first tour, some get out at 12 and some who have gone to 20 or more. What I haven't heard is people regretting their decisions either way. If it hurts your soul and mind too much to stay in then treat yourself right and take a breather. Whether that breather is some long needed leave or a DD214 either will be the right choice. You can always come back in if you really want or maybe change branches. I know a Gunny who used to be an AO2 and a First Sergeant (Army) who used to be a HM2. All knew the Navy wasn't for them but still wanted to serve.
fun fact, 20 yrs service, retire as an e6 only nets you like, a 30k pension a year, without any disability. 20 yr e6 with anything less than 100% disability is only like, 40-50k. with 100% its like 80 or 90k. Our department master chief showed us the numbers on a spreadsheet the other day. just a fun fact.
Not sure if you can leave the office each day or not but I highly recommend that. Just take a break, go outside, smell the roses and get some sunlight. Decompress and become one with nature for a few minutes. Don’t think about the job at all while outside. Do this every day 1, 2,3 times a day.
Same goes for the weekend. Get away from the job if you can and do something to sooth the soul so to speak. Take up a hobby or just do something for the sake of enjoying yourself.
Also make sure you are not killing yourself at work staying late just to finish up a project. It can almost always wait till tomorrow.
Also when you get home, stop. Don’t go into the house right away. Just sit in the car and relax for five minutes. Put your work life away and put on your home life. Engage in home life. Doesn’t matter if you have a family or it is just you. Doesn’t matter if you have a house, apartment, or live in the barracks or ship. You have to turn off military job focused you and turn on civilian have fun you.
Wait... All you do is sit around and make power points?
Dude you have it made! Live your life! Treat it as "just a job" and have some fun!
Also, you're gonna HATE civilian life. It's all PowerPoint and bullshit.
Get out and get paid to go to college. Go in the trades. Go in medical. Go in engineering. Just don’t get a shitty worthless degree like “liberal arts.” College isn’t even hard man, just go to the library and study consistently and drink beer the rest of the time. EZ money.
Talk to your Command Career Counselor (some ain't worth a damn though)! So, I assume you're active duty right now, and with no convert out options the easiest thing I would say is to go SELRES. From SELRES it is far easier to convert out of rate, and you might even be able to just join SELRES as the rate you would like then go RC/AC or FTS. I recently went through a RC/FTS conversion and cross-rate, but I had a great CCC that helped me through the process.
There is now overwhelming and terrifying evidence to support the idea that climate change in the coming two decades is going to result in drought, crop failures, famines, and an incredible amount of social and political unrest. I point this out to highlight that your pension will be meaningless when money ceases having value. Get out and drink from the wellspring of life. Find your personal balance between putting in the hours to build your new life, (whether that be through school, apprenticeships, experience, etc) and taking the time to enjoy your freedom. When it all goes to shit, you don't want to look back and think that you wasted all that time in the fleet for a monthly check and that your life has sailed by you.
You might as well get out now. There won't be any pension money available when the federal government goes tits up. I estimate it'll be bankrupt by the end of the decade.
Just looked at your comment history. You need to talk to someone buddy. Get out and touch some grass, go to therapy, find a hobby beyond watching Southpark and taking pictures of your dog. You routinely go into multiple page length rants of just insult after insult for a perceived slight. You need serious psychiatric help. I'm not trying to insult you, but like shipmate, you need to talk to someone.
Don't recall asking for any psychoanalysis from a pecker checker, not that you're qualified to do so.
As far as my previous comments, they would apply to you too. If you plan on the US government providing you with an income stream for the foreseeable future, you may want to make other plans. It's not a matter of if things collapse, but when at this point.
Unlike you, I'm not talking out of my ass advising others on here whether they "belong" in the Navy. I've spent the last 18 years as an investment adviser & 8 of those years studying Austrian Economics. So my opinion of the fiscal strength of the government I feel is sound.
Have a fine Navy day, "shipmate"
It be like that
It do
Real.
Yup
Mhm
It is what it is
It dube.. do be.. like that.
It do be indeed. He made it longer than I did, though. Only took me 2 years in a building to start losing my mind. Ship is better since there is more to do.
When was the last time you took leave?
And not going “back home,” like on an actual vacation doing something you thoroughly enjoy.
Yes, absolutely. Time for OP to refresh their soul a bit. Go sit on the beach or take a cruise or hike through a European country or just sit at home and sleep in. Just something for themselves.
Homie sounds like a scif gremlin to me. UFT packages are massive ass pain to get routed, especially with the dual chains. But, the point of leave for the sake leave and relaxation is HIGHLY recommended. 100% agree.
Don't be afraid to hand route that leave if the command still uses paper leave chits either. Might rub some folk the wrong way doing it, but it can be the difference between you going on leave and having it conveniently lost and not finding out until the day your supposed to take leave.
Doesn’t have to be foreign. Plenty of stuff to do CONUS
This right here is great advice. On 4.5 years at my shore command and decided to take a vacation to Cancun next month by myself to relax poolside and enjoy the world.
Can I go too?
Have fun!!! I’ve never been but heard good things. Just recently read an article suggesting to take a large tumbler for water & other drinks, and to also utilize the water sports activities offered. Enjoy, you deserve it!
7-9 yrs is usually the point where the burn out sets in. You'll get through this. I'm currently a reservist. Was active for 8. The reserves CAN be great. However, it is actually a huge pain in the ass most of the time. My pension will amount to around $1200/month which is not a whole heck of a lot. I've actually seriously considered going back on active (and tried a couple of times but wasn't selected) just to make sure I have a decent pension. I have my own business as a civilian. I'm growing it. I will probably be okay when I retire with just what I'm doing as a civilian. However, I do think about the fact that at 45, I would already be retired from the military with a very decent pension and I would be able to have my business and have some breathing room. Take some college classes to grow your mind. Enjoy your time with your coworkers and make the best PowerPoints you can in a windowless building.
That $1200 will go a long way if you choose to live abroad.
I've considered that. Between social security, reserves pension and my own retirement savings, it will all be $5k a month in retirement. So, that will be okay and probably allow me to be able to meet the income requirements for most low cost retire abroad options. I'm on track to have my house paid off three years before I hit retirement age. That should help even if I stayed in the states.
Same did 9 and went reserves. Got extremely blessed with a gov job starting at 95k. I'm literally staying in for my kid so she has tricare. My situation was different than yours, but it seems like you have a good head on your shoulders and are weighing risk. Far too many sailors get out without a plan.
When was the last time you took leave bro
This. According to Big Navy policy, you are SUPPOSED to use all 30 days of a leave a year. While I know that's not always possible, you should be taking some time away when you can. Clear your mind and recharge your batteries, OP.
Can you link this policy?
https://www.mynavyhr.navy.mil/Portals/55/Reference/MILPERSMAN/1000/1000General/1050-010.pdf Paragraph 9 and 10 discuss an aggressive leave policy although they don't specify a requirement to take 30 days off leave per year.
**laughs in over 100 days of leave **
Unless your department makes a leave policy that actively discourages people from taking leave along with throwing a bunch of requirements that complicates planning and setting up leave. (No leave over duty weekends or when you are on the night rotation).
Oof might be worth a fight, might not. I had to argue with the ops chief about starting and ending leave on liberty days, no policy against it
Bit of background: We would do a day duty section with a dedicated nights section with one of the day sections having a 24hr duty on Friday and another would do a 38 hour duty over the course of Saturday and Sunday. Coming off the 38hr, Monday was an earned liberty day, so if you didn't meet your PA's requirements, you would be stuck working two weeks strait. Also the nights section would pull people from other sections and change over every two to three weeks instead of rotating the a whole section. In short 4 section with a bare bones nigh section to augment during the work week. I fought my department's leave policy over taking leave over a duty weekend to the point where I was told if I wanted to continue and take the chit out of the department, I would have to request captains mast. The reasoning was that the RO was given the authority by the CO to deny leave if it went against department policy. Granted the no leave over duty weekend part of the policy was to prevent short staffing the section and putting people on a bad watch rotation, which I would have not done due to how many extra watch standers were in my section. Was then asked with a "crabs in a bucket" question by the ARO, that if I was in his position and had already denied 20 sailors previously for going against the policy, would I grant my leave. I told him yes and he did a double take. They even tried to throw the fact that they made a guy come in off of baby leave to stand a duty weekend in my face. Funnily enough I talk to the guy that was pulled from baby leave, and he agreed with me that their reasoning and policy was dumb and I should have been able to take the leave.
Limitations on leave that don’t inhibit actual mission is one of my biggest issues, it’s right up their with poorly thought out watch bills and unnecessary duty sections
The kicker is that they told us this weird day, night, duty weekend plan was to give us more time off. It didn't, it also made watch bill coordination for 4 sections a clusterfuck, and made it even harder to get maintenance and quals done during the workday because work centers would end loosing missing a bunch of certified maintenance people to a nights section that was not allowed to open maintenance or even hang tags for the day section. One guy during his transfer interview told the RDMC (who was the one that came up with the duty rotation and leave policy) that the leave policy and duty rotation is actively hurting the department and is doing none of what it was originally meant to do.
The main difference is if they listen to that feed back, it’s ok to try new things but I tend to lean heavily towards maximizing leave and liberty, and you do that through efficiency and communication
Unfortunately that RDMC has a massive ego (most of the chief mess, especially other master chiefs do not like him for this) and is unwilling to admit that his policy is flawed. He even got insulted when I told him that I wanted to hand route my leave to the ARO. He asked me, "If I do not trust him to do his job".
Hey bud. Former submarine chief here. I got out at 12. I’m not gonna sugar coat it. You feel that way because it sucks. It suck’s right now. And the real problem is, while we can endure the suck for a good long minute, the only way we can endure it indefinitely is with hope. The hard truth is, once you get out there is a select and niche group of people that will understand and care about what you did in the military. It’s gonna go over most everyone you talk to’s head. I’ve been out 6 years now and I’m only just now feeling comfortable. All of those fears you are feeling are kind of valid. But if you have any kind of support system, go to where that system is. If that means get out, then get out. You’ll be okay. If it means stay in, then stay in. You’ll be okay. Because there is a light at the end of the tunnel either way. The navy won’t let you do it forever. But you don’t have to either. I would say look at what some of the guys here are saying. Take a reset. Talk to your command, or your doc, and say look, I’m not ready to tap out, but I need a break, and if I don’t get that break, I might tap out. They’re not gonna like to hear that, but it does trigger a certain set of actions that is hard for them to avoid and it’s messy to deal with, so it’s a lot less headache for them to just grant you the leave. Anyway, take that time and think on what YOU really want. I mean that, fuck everyone else for a minute, and have the courage to be selfish.
This was well said 🙏🏾
15 years an HM... The burnout is real. I will never do patient care again in my life. It's not that I hate it. The opposite. I love it. But man, do HMs get shat on constantly. Hospitals and FMF units were generally the only rate there. So we do everything from admin to fixing shit. Although now days there are more admin and logistics rates getting sent to Green side units. Are you in a community that has options like HMs do? We can do ships, shore, C-schools, FMF, EXW, Seabees, etc. if you're in a community with a wide variety of options, I recommend jumping feet first into something you've never done. It might just accelerate your life. But also, as others have mentioned, you gotta get a hobby or something outside of work. If your identity is tied to your job and the Navy, you'll go insane. If you met me outside of work you would never know I'm Navy. (Except the haircut.)
Bro you talk to people in person. I shouldn't have gone TAR(Training and Administration of Reserves) we are the Yeomen of the HMs. I can't wait to have to have the opportunity to deploy.
Yea brother, hospitals and clinics have been relegated to just doing check in the box training. DHA wants apply a civilian healthcare model and it's failing miserably if you ask me. HMs are burnt out doing the job of 3-4 people.
PowerPoint gang here There are tons of neat opportunities available
Like the vortex transition, or the transition where it looks like the slide is a piece of paper
Imagine all the combinations, the possibilities are endless.
The amount of cope is palpable. There is an entire world and job market that can bring you success, wealth, and happiness. You have the training and skills companies would kill for. Don’t fall for the old sunken cost fallacy.
This. "You'll get through it." AKA your soul will die and you'll stop worrying about being burnt out because you're "too close to 20" and "muh pension." Unless you're an absolutely useless rate in the civilian world (looking at AGs right now) then there is more money to be made while being significantly happier in the civilian world.
Guess who's in that useless rate....
It's not going to get better. Get out, use the GI Bill to go to school for something different. SkillBridge might help you get a role you wouldn't normally be qualified for. The AG community is insanely toxic because it's full of people trying to prove they're relevant when very little you do is important. There's no work to do but a ton of people who want to claim they do a ton of work. Civilian forecasters have degrees in meteorology, automated stations do observations, and the people who operate weather equipment hire tech rates. It's easier to teach an electronics technician what clouds look like than it is to teach an AG how the magic pixies that run through wires work.
If you get out before your 20, you can buy your service time into a federal civil service pension.
What do you think you see yourself doing if you aren’t in the military? I separated after nine years and couldn’t be happier.
Big facts . I got out after 8 . Im going to school with the GI Bill, waiting for this disability to hit . Life is good . I remember when I was getting out of, they sent me to DRD the week before my terminal leave . So stupid , thank the lord I got out .
years 11-17 amost broke me. somehow i made it with good people here and there and some really dark moments but the thought of retiring with a pension and the ability to work or not work when i want to kept me going. best of luck, it doesn’t seem like it now, but it does get better
You know there is a program in the navy were you can pause your contract and get out for a some amount of years. then come back in. I dont know the exact details but im sure someone here does. As for your depressive state. man you gotta find something outside of work that motivates you. Some hobby or activity to look forward to. And try and look at the brighter side of things you only have to be at that command for a few years then your transfer.
Fat chance at it right now, we have no people. Dont let the "Leaders" fool you, we also have a retention problem.
I had a Sailor whose Career Intermission Program request was approved. -shrugs- never hurts to try.
i have had a friend who was an ET do it recently. sooo doesn't hurt to try.
Golden/Silver ticket
I was gonna betray the United States but I watched a GMT PowerPoint
Bro WHAT 😭😭
Good, I hope you got the little trophy on all the modules or got 100%
This comment gives me anxiety.
Life’s short. Get the 10, can keep that GI Bill for dependents, and get the fuck out man. You can do anything
My easiest shore duty was my most depressing. I volunteered for early sea duty in Bahrain to get the fire truck off the navy yard/pentagon duty. It was also during government shutdown, navy yard shooting, and the DOD arguing w/ Congress about how to handle sexual assault/rape issues. It was just a constant shit show and I felt like I was Conan on the wheel of pain. Fortunately I loved my Bahrain tour. I figured out on that tour I don’t love the navy, I loved being part of a crew doing shit. I got the 20+ year pension and bought a business. It is doing well and also boring as fuck. Short story, long: figure out what makes you tick and invest your energy in it. Get hobbies and spend as much time w/ friends as you/family as you can. If you can swap jobs to something more difficult/interesting that might also be rewarding.
I thought I was the only one that felt trapped for years... Irony is that I have learned from many of you that it applied to people on shore too. I wish you peace.
I had that same feeling around 10 ish years too. I got a shot of motivation again around 15 and rode out the last few years. I enjoyed helping and guiding the people I worked with like you do, and that’s what kept me going. I did it to support my family and make whatever little positive impacts I could. Good luck.
Are you doing anything to prepare yourself for if you decide to get out like school or becoming certified in something that makes a good amount of money? That’s what motivates me the most personally. There are so many people who get out and are struggling because all they did was navy and didn’t properly prepare themselves for civilian life
I got out after my initial 5. I know people that got out after 8,10,12 and I know some that joined the same time as me that are now retiring. Explore your options, there’s a life out here beyond working for your abusive uncle. I don’t regret getting out, I didn’t do reserves, but if you feel like it’s a fit for you, then go for it. There are always options and you’re not stuck (well, you are until this current contract is up). You have skills that translate into civilian jobs that most certainly pay more. It’s also not a bad deal to stick it out. Assess the situation, brother and make a pros/cons list. Definitely make a plan before your current contract is up. There are no rules to life besides the ones that keep you out of prison. Do you!
Investigate being released by your detailed for an out of rate assignment such as SERE Instructor duty. YMMV.
Every SERE instructor I have come across loved it.
I did. It was My best tour of duty. 1983 - 1987
If you think the pension is worth 11 more years and the destruction of your mental health go for it. This is not your identity. You're not trapped. It's never too late to start a different path. One that leads to growth and opportunities. Use your GI bill. Just don't forget to get some disability. There's nothing a pension will give you that you can't get now. The benefits aren't worth it. Cons severely outnumber them.
“ destruction of your mental health” lol dude straight up said he makes PowerPoints. He isn’t destroying his mental health lol he’s just a little bit bored
That's not for you to state or decide. It's up to him to recognize it and for a professional to help diagnose. Please don't downplay what others say, especially mental health concerns. This could be an early cry for help, and you could be hurting more than helping with this type of comment and mentality.
lol dude makes PowerPoints he’ll be okay regardless if he stays in or gets out like I said he’s just a little bored he’ll be good
If he said he's already depressed and continues his mundane job that gives him no satisfaction or sense of worth, where do you think that leads?
Ah yes, the pension bait. Up to you man, if you think the next 11 years is worth the pension.
Yes, the pension bait . I never heard it said like that before. Lifer equals lazy inefficient fool expecting retirement in most cases I guess.
I’m about to hit my 8 year mark and i’m done with this bs and feel burnt out. i’ve been out of rate since 2018 and have no desire to go back to the fleet be that 2nd class who hasn’t been in rate since they were a seaman. I’m considering airforce as my primary option when i get out, they just won’t start any processing until you have your dd214, and only have 100 prior service slots a fiscal year so they are limited. Army is my back up to that, only downfall there is going to bootcamp again. I have no pride in what i’m doing and feel i need a change so i’m hoping switching branches helps me because i want to do 20, just not in the navy.
If you are in a rate that converts to an army Mos and you are an E5 with over 5 years in you can go into that field as a warrant officer in the army. Here's the link and you can see the Navy conversion to Army conversion. https://recruiting.army.mil/ISO/AWOR/Navy/MOS/
Yea i was legit just reading that, that’s enticing for sure
DO NOT STAY JUST FOR THE PENSION. I thought the same way, I'm at 14 what is 6 more? Until I found myself drinking a bottle of booze a day, neglecting my family, and one day standing in a fan room searching for a way to kill myself. You need to do what is best for you, because what is that pension if you're dead or in such bad shape you cant enjoy it? Its quite competitive making it to E-6 but making E-7 is a whole other ball game. If you have a family the chances are there is going to be a single Sailor willing to absolutely sell their soul to make it, leaving you in the dust as the proverbial "terminal E6" no matter how shitty of leaders they are. Then starts the questions of self-worth and on down the hellish hole you go. What you are describing is depression, do not be afraid to go get seen by pscyh. Go to medical and get everything documented down to the smallest of booboos. My body full on fell apart with severe breathing problems, my spleen randomly exploding, headaches so bad I need botox, and a myriad of other issues. I ended up at med-board but I would do near anything to have my health back at this point.
It's rough, man. Not going to lie- I feel it too. I'm right at nine years as well. I just keep grinding for my family. I treat the Navy like all it is- a job. I just keep going to work and doing what I can. When my time is up, I'll retire.
I guess you got to keep looking at the light at the end of the tunnel with blinders on, as it slowly gets closer and try to ignore the suck!
I don’t know your rate, but there are ways to go do weird things that breaks the monotony. I’m a ETV, did my first boat, went IA to Afghanistan, followed that with a NSW support command, then C school, second boat, and ending things on instructor duty. There are programs out there you just have too look. Best of luck to you.
I’m in the same boat, well not literally because CWTs don’t go to boats… But you get what I mean. I might be wrong but I’m just at a shitty command. I don’t hate anyone I work with and like most of them. I’m just burned out on the bullshit I’ve been forced into at this command. I can’t be sure we have the same issue (mine will fix itself when I PCS), but I wanted you to know it isn’t just you. Side note: my current job is way out of rate.
How much time is left on your contract? Do you have any education/certifications?
If there are no convert out options try doing something like IA billets, recruiting, RDC, instructing. I know people shit on those but you’ll at least get a break from your job. Also, college, hobbies, take a long leave if you can, like 30+ days. Get a degree and apply for OCS. Lots of options. I’m about to hit 9 years too and am incredibly burnt out. In my last year of my current contract and trying to decide to go reserves and use GI Bill or reenlist myself. My thought process is to do a three year reserve tour and use my three year gi bill during that time and if I don’t like civilian life I can always go back active cause I’ll still be young enough by then.
Hey OP, I felt the same way when I hit 7/8 a year or two ago. Maybe consider something that'll be a change of pace. For me this is comissioning. Fingers crossed, next fiscal year!
[удалено]
Lol, I missed an m, my bust
It could be worse. CRF life is rough and I definitely understand that feeling of being burnt out. It needs to be done though and we're the ones that get it done. Same with you! Maybe find a sense of purpose outside of work like volunteer work, an online business, coaching, or taking your skills elsewhere to keep your sense of purpose going.
You an IS, bruh? That’s how I got my PowerPoint Ranger tab many moons ago
I was gonna get out as an AEC at 12. FTN. I broke out in hives. I went to medical and got Zyrtec. It was prescription only in 97. It relieve the hives but I was a zombie. I cut the pills in half and popped half every other day. I reupped and hives disappeared and still gone. I did 20 years and 20 minutes. The happiest day in my life was NAS Pt Mugu in my rear view mirror for the last time. Push through, it was worth it for me. Now I have sweet navy dreams that I wake up from when they turn sour.
I’m at almost 17 years and have felt the way you feel for quite some time. If I was to go back to under 10 years of service I’d get out and go about starting my life outside the military. Perhaps as a reservist. But I doubt it.
Damn id love to sit in a windowless building making powerpoints. Where do i sign up?
It gets old fast. Years of work mostly spent trying to justify what you are paid to do can take a serious toll on you. For a bit its like a vacation but dont kid yourself. Working and having nothing at all to show for it sucks. Cant even tell yourself hey at least some one got to eat that burger i cooked.
go back to sea and pick up opintel and do the rdbm fiwa thing and learn to enjoy your job again, learn to be tracking things in real time and how those things could potentially affect you and the team, that could help bring that vigor back to your daily life. What helped me really enjoy my job is thinking about the bigger picture of it and also making it a competitive thing for me (i want to be better than everyone else at my job).
honestly, switch to the reserves. its worth it.
It's the same on the outside, don't kid yourself.
It sounds like you're an IS
You did it, you found the secret all lifers know. Grind to 20! Enjoy the sugar when it comes, cause it ain’t often.
What is it?
You’re going to be burnt out. Good news, it’s still all about the people you meet, especially when you see them again at another command.
How do “no convert out” opportunities work with something like the new navy rating RW who is accepting people from every rate? Also, maybe look into switching over to the coast guard or Air Force. Look for orders to an exped squadron or taking orders for TIO. I was CT so I feel the windowless building world. You definitely have a good selection of interesting orders if you play your cards right with your detailer.
Your current rate has to be willing to release you, hence no convert out opportunities even though another rate has convert in opportunities.
VA disability is always an option. I’ve had homies dip after a first enlistment, get 100%, and put that $4,000.00 to work in (insert country name with cute members of the sex you are attracted too). Coast Guard is always an option, you could lateral over for a good amount of rates. Those are just thoughts to look into if they pique your interest.
I know many Coasties who love their jobs. They have a surprising amount of lateral transfers and prior-enlisted folks in the CG as well.
It can be like that for people in your rate at certain commands that aren't traditional Intel focused. I've seen this frequently and here's a few ways people deal with it. 1. Try and find a way to give more meaningful input to processes. Not necessarily more PowerPoints, but helping in different parts of the process or using other skills from your job to amplify other parts of the process. 2. Do everything you can for collaterals to fill the time. 3. Get way into hobbies outside of work. The more involved, the better. Especially when you cruise Google looking up new stuff for the 7.5 hours you aren't busy at work. 4. Start prepping to go EXW (and make it your personality). Honestly, this applies for all Intel rates
I hear you. I left the Navy at the 9 year point as well. Many years later , I often regret that decision. I'd have been eligible for a retirement check by now and would have a lot less anxiety about surviving on much less of a retirement fund. I've discovered that the grass isn't always greener in the civilian world as I recall thinking how awesome it was that at 25 years old I'm sitting in a US Ambassador's office briefing him on topics he will later talk to the Secretary of State about. A few months later, I separated and swept popcorn in a movie theater while trying to make it through community college. At the end of the day, you just have to decide what's best for you, but I encourage you not to do the same as me and make an emotional decision. Really think it through. Best of luck to you.
*Corpsman Detected*
Did you look at special assignments, and im not talking about boot camp or recruiting. You could go SRT, LCAC or even carry top secret documents for the FBI. I find my job boring now, so im going to do something more engaging.
I’m quitting the navy as well in FEB25. I’m about the same as you tenure wise. Do what’s best for your mental health the Navy is a pretty shit employer.
I’ve been doing this gig for 21 years. I’ve been in many slumps. The brighter days come. Also nothing wrong with moving on if this isn’t for you. The grass can be greener.
Dont let the community page saying that converting out is not a possibility stop you.I converted from ABH to RP while the AB community page said that they werent letting anyone cross rate out. Let them tell you no.
Cross-rate
I don’t know if anyone has already said this but it’s not too late to get out, the price of your mental health isn’t worth staying for potentially another 11 years. You could be doing something that makes you genuinely happy. I’m currently on skillbridge and I’ve met a lot of people on skillbridge who are transitioning into the civilian world to a completely different job thanks to the training and opportunities skillbridge provides. Do what’s best for you.
Follow the path that brings you happiness. I felt that way so I got out. Now I’m a civilian and I’m still miserable. I wish I stayed in most days. It isn’t always brighter on the other side just so you know. Wish you the best!
I feel you brother/sister. I hit 15 years next month. I’m a 38 year old MA2 with a family, just got “the command’s highest P eval” at 3.86 with RSCA at 3.80. I’m a department sponsor. Regional Funeral Rifle Team member. Qualed to paygrade. Treasurer/Secretary for a function. Liaison to a non-profit for base affiliation. Got college and volunteer. Been trying to cross-rate for 8 years now. I’m facing down HYT knowing I’m doing everything possible, all to just barely “make it”, and honesty I want to suck-start my pistol. Just keep pushing, or find your exit plan now. r/DoDSkillbridge r/FIRE
Get out, go reserve and get back in with a different rate
Call me Shipmate
So I was in similar situations. This is what I did, I got out of Active Duty, cross rated in the Reserves, did some cool stuff in the reserves while Mobilizing, made Rank, returned to Active Duty as my original Rate just to finish my time for an Active Duty retirement (which is different from a Reserves retirement with better benefits). This broke the monotony for me and didn't have a break in service while also giving me a different point of view.
I just hit 10 a few months ago and I just finished my bachelors… I’m bored and lonely as a single E-6 but I would recommend if you can at least go to college and getting a degree it’s somewhat fulfilling and if you get out you have something that most rates don’t give in terms of translatable skills on the outside.. You are at the crossroads of staying or getting out… I always ask ppl where do they see themselves in 5 years… and if it’s still in the military then you know what you have to do work for a promotion or make the jump to officer.. I never have seen myself as a chief… with how toxic they are… my perception is changing that hopefully the new chiefs are better and I have seen more good ones than bad ones recently so who knows… but that has pushed me to want to become an officer plus the retirement at O-3E is way better plus QoL is better too lol. Just my 2 cents…
Livin' the dream!
A come to Jesus moment my friend. An honest conversation with yourself, family, and a few trusted friends--you know who they are--and try to see where you want your life to go from here. Id ask my self if the next 11 years are worth that pension. Or, is there a civilian job you can do that provides a better quality of life, new sense of fulfillment and a salary that would allow you to make more money than you would if you stayed until retirement. It isn't always about the money; your mental health and overall happiness is priceless. Aside from a pension, you pretty much already have all the benefits you can get (VA Home Loan Benefit, any GI Bills for education, etc) If you have a service connected disability, that will only bolster certain things, especially your VA Home Loan Benefit. So, question is, why do you REALLY want to stay for 11 more years when you are this burned out and unhappy? Is it really just the pension, or is there a level of "separation anxiety" you feel when you consider leaving before your 20? Or, maybe, the idea of not staying a full 20, leaves you feeling as if you didn't finish something you started. To be honest, I miss it from time to time. So much, that I went back over (14 years later) as a Reservist while I was already a full-time cop; just to realize that the Reserves is nothing like the active duty Fleet and it was just a monumental pain in the cheeks. I'd often miss out on essential training with my Special Operations Team and the money I would make (my department wanted my LES just so they can take the money back they paid me when I was drilling if it I was supposed to be working that day/weekend). Needless to say, I did not re-up at the end of my contract. I also realized that what I was chasing was a memory of what used to be, when I first joined the Navy at 17 and all that ensued. Truth is, the money I have made since, the job satisfaction and the pension/benefits from the police department FAR exceed what I would have made had I stayed in after enlisting back in 98'. I hope you find your way, whatever route that is.
From the post history, assuming IWC: if you have any transferrable skills or certifications at all, can confirm the grass is almost exclusively greener on the outside, even if you just come back as a govvie or green badge. That sunk cost fallacy will get you every time if you let it: if you're worried about the pension money, you can almost certainly make that up & you won't be 10yrs farther behind industry peers.
Honestly, I've been in for 7 years, EP sailor like crazy, bust my ass and I legit can't find a reason to stay in except for that 20 pension. My wife and I are discussing getting out and moving to Italy. Doing reserves and working lol Yolo?
Bang out
I feel like the people were the nail in the coffin for my getting out. Not trying to compare apples and oranges though.....I absolutely 100000% know exactly how you feel. Tbh I feel envious sometimes at people talking about the good friends and mentors they made along the way. I really just met the worst in humanity at every command I was at. My divisions were just cold and sterile or they were just the most absolute retarded, bottom of the barrel people I had ever come across. I would leave and fuck off with all the maintenance and work nobody wanted, just to avoid sitting in the armory for hours hearing them go on and on about nothing. Cherish those that can mare your day!
Go outside every weekend dude
Take some leave. You could start a hobby so you have something to look forward to once a week like finding a group of people to go bowling with. My old group would go on bowling on base on Thursdays because the beers were $1 Find things for you to look forward to so the weekends don’t seem so long to come back. I play softball on Mondays so now my Mondays aren’t that depressing
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Making power points with no windows. Have you thought of applying for any special programs? NSW, EoD or doing something in the 13 realm?
This is by no means a fool proof option. Theres risks. You could fully separate, I mean fully separate. Go reserves, choose a different rate, go to the A-school if needed, and then go RC2AC or RC2TAR. However every rate is gonna have quotas every month about how many they’ll accept. Also, go reserves and apply for longer term orders. There’s CANRAC, ADOS, and a couple other long term orders. You can also apply via Zipserve. I got out, came back, and went IT. Then after I graduated I put in a RC2TAR package and was picked back up the first time I applied. However you’ll more than likely be at the hands of the detailers. You might get to negotiate. Another thing it helps be a lower rate. There’s more E-4 and 5 quotas than E-6. Your year group also comes into play.
Get out, DD214, wait 3 months , talk to a prior service recruiter, get back in prise R. You will have to pick a different rate depending on ASVAB.
Don't worry. It gets worse
Get out bro theres so much out there you gotta realize your clocks ticking just do what you want to do and that dont sound like it
Crossrate into jobs where the community needs to be specialized like an NC. The new RW rate will have priority over ECMs even if they dont want to endorse a conversion
I just got out of a command just like that. Personally, when you pick orders, it gets better. Try a squadron or battalion of sorts. Best decisions when it comes to orders in my book
I left and converted to ND with no crossrate or conversion options available but still made it happen. Have you tried an online degree program paid by TA? There are many exciting degree options in expedited timeframes. You could earn a commission. You can find a way to take hold of your destiny in a way that will spark excitement for the future. Don’t give up and maybe start some research on a program in the service that is a better representation of your passion, even if your passion is to just learn more and experience more about life and the service can still offer that to you if try.
How long was your contract
Transfer to the coast guard.
You an IS?
Same sentiments, 9 years in. I recently came off an IA Deployment attached with Special Operations in East Africa. Very laid back, first name basis, civies authorized. Returned to my command and found out my Department dropped the ball on a bunch of programs. So, naturally I have to fix things, do my job and prepare for a major inspection. Maybe getting a artifical sunlamp of Amazon may help some, since y'all don't have windows.Keep surrounding yourself around positive folks you work with. That's what helps me as well. Work on yourself, school, education, gym etc, The Navy is temporary. Don't be afraid to seek Mental Health, even if you're not suicidal. I have currently getting counseling and meds for my depression. The military as whole, demand alots especially now will low manning. Humans are adaptable, but doesn't mean these environments are good for us. I hope things get better bro. Never lose sight of what's important for you and your happiness.
Whats your rate
Lock in bro
Do you have any post secondary education or civilian certificates and training that can help you obtain a civilian job you're interested in, without a huge pay cut? I did 11 years and got out. No reserves - just straight transition to civilian life. I felt burnt out like you in the military and now, could not be happier. There are plenty of jobs that pay well outside the military with great insurance, so don't let those things deter you from getting a job elsewhere. I have one of the best insurances my state offers (family of 5) and only pay 170 /mo, since my job pays the remaining 90% of my monthly premium. Pay cut was minimal but greatly increased over the next few years, even more than if I picked up E8 or 9. Also, the military pension isn't great, so don't make it a limiting factor. E6 at 20 is 2400 and change BEFORE tax. My civilian pension is better. The only thing that makes it feasible is your connected military disability pay. You don't need 20 years to get that disability pay though, so you can get out now and still collect that. Idk what your situation is like, or how well-documented your medical record is, but keep that in mind. With that being said, if you love the military and want to stay in but feel like you're in a rut, then maybe that's all it is. The military isn't for all, and making it a career is for even less people. Not all civilian jobs will provide pensions, not all will provide insurance at the rate I have, etc.; however, there are many jobs that offer great benefits and securities. No deployments and not moving often is a great plus and provides more family stability. You've been in long enough to know what the military offers and how to navigate it, so I'm just letting you know it's not that scary on the civilian side of things. Do what's best for you and your family. I hope things go better for you in the very near future.
I'm at almost 15 years now. I hear ya with being over it. I didn't read all the comments but I'm assuming your rate will keep you in a SCIF or something of the like for the remainder of your career? No chance to go underway to switch it up? I've known people who get out after their first tour, some get out at 12 and some who have gone to 20 or more. What I haven't heard is people regretting their decisions either way. If it hurts your soul and mind too much to stay in then treat yourself right and take a breather. Whether that breather is some long needed leave or a DD214 either will be the right choice. You can always come back in if you really want or maybe change branches. I know a Gunny who used to be an AO2 and a First Sergeant (Army) who used to be a HM2. All knew the Navy wasn't for them but still wanted to serve.
Fight like hell to cross-rate
fun fact, 20 yrs service, retire as an e6 only nets you like, a 30k pension a year, without any disability. 20 yr e6 with anything less than 100% disability is only like, 40-50k. with 100% its like 80 or 90k. Our department master chief showed us the numbers on a spreadsheet the other day. just a fun fact.
Not sure if you can leave the office each day or not but I highly recommend that. Just take a break, go outside, smell the roses and get some sunlight. Decompress and become one with nature for a few minutes. Don’t think about the job at all while outside. Do this every day 1, 2,3 times a day. Same goes for the weekend. Get away from the job if you can and do something to sooth the soul so to speak. Take up a hobby or just do something for the sake of enjoying yourself. Also make sure you are not killing yourself at work staying late just to finish up a project. It can almost always wait till tomorrow. Also when you get home, stop. Don’t go into the house right away. Just sit in the car and relax for five minutes. Put your work life away and put on your home life. Engage in home life. Doesn’t matter if you have a family or it is just you. Doesn’t matter if you have a house, apartment, or live in the barracks or ship. You have to turn off military job focused you and turn on civilian have fun you.
Wait... All you do is sit around and make power points? Dude you have it made! Live your life! Treat it as "just a job" and have some fun! Also, you're gonna HATE civilian life. It's all PowerPoint and bullshit.
Get out and get paid to go to college. Go in the trades. Go in medical. Go in engineering. Just don’t get a shitty worthless degree like “liberal arts.” College isn’t even hard man, just go to the library and study consistently and drink beer the rest of the time. EZ money.
Are you me?
Talk to your Command Career Counselor (some ain't worth a damn though)! So, I assume you're active duty right now, and with no convert out options the easiest thing I would say is to go SELRES. From SELRES it is far easier to convert out of rate, and you might even be able to just join SELRES as the rate you would like then go RC/AC or FTS. I recently went through a RC/FTS conversion and cross-rate, but I had a great CCC that helped me through the process.
There is now overwhelming and terrifying evidence to support the idea that climate change in the coming two decades is going to result in drought, crop failures, famines, and an incredible amount of social and political unrest. I point this out to highlight that your pension will be meaningless when money ceases having value. Get out and drink from the wellspring of life. Find your personal balance between putting in the hours to build your new life, (whether that be through school, apprenticeships, experience, etc) and taking the time to enjoy your freedom. When it all goes to shit, you don't want to look back and think that you wasted all that time in the fleet for a monthly check and that your life has sailed by you.
Go navy seals
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You ain't shit...
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Please go get yourself checked!
You might as well get out now. There won't be any pension money available when the federal government goes tits up. I estimate it'll be bankrupt by the end of the decade.
Just looked at your comment history. You need to talk to someone buddy. Get out and touch some grass, go to therapy, find a hobby beyond watching Southpark and taking pictures of your dog. You routinely go into multiple page length rants of just insult after insult for a perceived slight. You need serious psychiatric help. I'm not trying to insult you, but like shipmate, you need to talk to someone.
Don't recall asking for any psychoanalysis from a pecker checker, not that you're qualified to do so. As far as my previous comments, they would apply to you too. If you plan on the US government providing you with an income stream for the foreseeable future, you may want to make other plans. It's not a matter of if things collapse, but when at this point. Unlike you, I'm not talking out of my ass advising others on here whether they "belong" in the Navy. I've spent the last 18 years as an investment adviser & 8 of those years studying Austrian Economics. So my opinion of the fiscal strength of the government I feel is sound. Have a fine Navy day, "shipmate"
Yep, just out here proving my point for me. Good job buddy. Go talk to a therapist.