Comparing my options?

[TonyC]

I'm not saying you should stay, but always view statistics with skepticism. The airlines are definitely a risky industry.

Yepp. Definitely risky.

Military - - No risk. Just keep saying "yessir," do your PME, and keep the grass on base housing mowed to specs.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

 

[spanky2]

Piling on over here. When I was at the same point in my life that you are the ailrine industry was stagnant and somewhat risky. I had a family and the military was stable. I chose to stay thru 20. Got hired by a major. Flew a couple of years. Got furloughed. Retirement money eased the panic level. I am back on active duty and waiting and watching, no hurry to go back, adding 2.5% per year towards re-retirement.

If (big if) I had bailed then, I would be very comfy with a good seniority number, earning some good money. But the BK world is pretty scary. Earning $40k a year guaranteed is pretty nice.

That is why they say hindsight is 20/20.

 

[potrack]

GET OUT,

You've heard it from everyone else....TDYs, time in the desert, the service is a different place than it had been just 6 years ago or so.

Find a reserve/guard job. Stay flying and logging hours. That way you can have a flexible schedule and only go TDY when and where you want----or if your unit is AETC then not at all. The down side is that you don't get the retirement money till 60.

Remember.....the military doesn't care about you or your family! Only the mission......that's the nature of the beast.

 

[ellsworb]

I am in the AF right now. .only my first year. . BUT. . my father did 20 years and 2 weeks. . that pension that he recieves is what put ME through college. . Right now. . my "Plan" is to just stay in. . heck. i'm only 21 right now. . but $$ in hand is MUCH more comfortable than $$ i MIGHT make.

 

[duckman]

The AF numbers

Retired with 20 yrs 8 months. 45 yrs old.
Get ~$3300 a month....or about $39.6K a yr before taxes in retirement pay.
IF..(big IF I know) I can live to 80 yrs old...the AF will have given me $1.38 Million. Kinda like winning the 1.38 Mil lotto isn't it...Lottos's don't pay it ALL up front either...usually over 20yrs or so.
Ya take a big penalty for a lump sum lotto payout...and you have far better odds of getting that AF "lotto" than you do any Powerball!!

It's all been said before....havin fun?? Like the AF flying??
Like having a job with SOUL..being a leader..being the boss (Squadron Commander stuff) Having the power and authority to make changes to an organization and peoples lives?
OR does the more laid back idea of an airborne bus driver have appeal (less stress easier life)
Want more control of your life... more time off?
$$ drive your motivation??
Quality of life comparisons?? The Airlines are for you!!

No one can tell ya what to do....ya just gotta decide for yourself.