need some advice

[Questions]

Hi folks,

Need some advice on a subject. I wont be too long winded I promise. Ok, I retired from the USAF back in Oct. I got a very good job at FT Rucker, Alabama. Good folks there and the job is great. But, the job requires me to deploy to the desert for 6 months, I knew this going into the job. Now I am having reservations. Maybe it was the $$$ they offered me, or I was still in that active duty frame of mind and didnt think twice about deploying, I dont know. Anyway, now that I dont work crazy hours anymore and have weekends, I want to spend as much time with my family as possible. Unfortunately, I cant since I am in Alabama and my family is still in Texas....kids still in school. This deployment will make it even more difficult...6 months of being 10,000 miles away instead of 1000. Now here is the kicker....I have another job offer in Florida. No deployments and it pays 10k more a year....not bragging, please understand that. Now with the current job, I stand to make a huge sum for deploying for 6 months...141k. I am at the point where $$$ arent important...my family is. But the deployment would set us up nicely for a substantial down payment on a new home....gotta sell the one in Tx first. The job offer in Fl is a great one as well...Personnel Recovery (Rescue) something very near and dear to me...being able to continue to contribute to all my brothers and sisters in arms. I asked my father, also an USAF vet what he thinks. He gave me the most profound advice ever. He said for the past 22 years the AF pounded Service before Self into your head...you have done the service, now is the time for self. That blew my mind!

And a side note...I wont see my beloved Spyder for a whole 6 months!!!

Ok after all my rambling my question is what would YOU do? Yes, the big bucks are tempting, but after 22 years of not being there and having that chance now, am conflicted. Any advice will be greatly appreciated.....also, I dont have thin skin, so just lay it out there...its all good in my eyes.

Thanks Jay

 

[JCSMOKE]

On the other hand time won't always make more money. How sustainable are each job (turn over rate)? I am one to go with the fun factor, so what job would give you the more fun? I am afraid that your question only raises more questions. This should be a family decision, all you will get here is a web load of questions. I for one know you will make the right decision, hell you got a spyder didn't you? Oh and by the way Thank you for your service.

 

[Bob Denman]

Just my less-than-important opinion here... pps:
If this would be "one last" deployment; and it gives you a chance at a substantial-enough pile of cash to make a difference; I'd take the six month gig out of country to help secure the family's future...
But that's just me, and i've been wrong more often than I can count!

 

[M109Dreamer]

I have been stationed in TX and FT Rucker, AL. I have a few years left before I retire and this is what I would do. Questions first.
1. With the 6 month deployment a 1 time thing, or will you be doing multiple deployments?
a. If its a one time thing, then stay in AL and do the deployment and buy your retirement home.
b. The cost of living is quite a bit more in FL, you can live very well in AL on that salary.
2. AL is closer to TX and easier to go back and see family.
3. Southern hospitality in AL is great, wish I still lived there.
4. For me it really boils down to how many deployments, if just one; then stay in AL. Multiple then would consider FL.
5. When I was stationed at FT Rucker, AL 94-96. My family really liked the small town where everyone knew their neighbors. We lived in Ozark, liked it more than Daleville and Enterprise due to less military around there and could really break away and just be around the AL folk there.
6. As you can tell I might be a little biased to AL.
Let up know what you decide.....
Shane

 

[ARtraveler]

Bob D. is right on track.

Money is good--but it is not the answer to happiness. Look at all the BS that goes on with the rich & famous as an example.

When jobs keep family separated--its a possibility--that marital problems will happen. My first marriage ended over these issues. Out of town Mon-Fri--family life on weekends.

If this is a "final deployment"--a six month sacrifice to get a good start on a home and a good life is doable.

I suggest going with what your "vibes" or your "heart" tells you to do.

We all have "life inputs" and they reflect where we are coming from and the advice we tend to give. Things to consider--but in the end--what is right for you.

 

[granpa in Cincy]

Listen to your father. He's correct!

 

[wyliec]

If this is a "final deployment"--a six month sacrifice to get a good start on a home and a good life is doable.

First, I'm retired military. Your father gave you good advice. Lastly, I'm not trying to be sarcastic; but think about the words I put in bold.

I'm sorry, I may have jumped to the wrong conclusion. Are you talking Afghanistan? Or, some place in the M.E. where there is not a current conflict?

 

[SpyderAnn01]

I'd probably go for the six month deployment but that being said many, many years ago I worked with a wonderful old lady whose son had taken a job in Saudi Arabia where he made scads of money. He was only able to come home once a year to see his wife and family. After doing this for five years he decided that he had made enough money and he returned to the States to take a "normal" job and be with his family. While he was job hunting he was doing some needed maintenance on his house. While he was working on his roof he was hit by a freak bolt of lightning and killed.

 

[NancysToy]

This is a decision only you can make. We all look at these things differently. When I retired, I was scared to death about not working anymore, not having enough money, having too much "idle" time, etc. My wife convinced me to just walk away from work and not look back. I have not regretted it in any way. There is no good substitute for family and friends...or taking a Spyder ride whenever you please.

 

[Rayelljay]

Nancy...you echo my thoughts exactly......

 

[BentGamer]

What will your final thoughts be when you are done with this life? "I wish I spent more time at work" or "I wish I had more time with my loved ones"

 

[SpydeRider2010]

this is a tough decision. after I retired... I had the chance to
hit the road and go to the M.E. for some good money. but
after 17 years of suitcase living... I chose to stay stateside,
and simply travel ON MY TERMS.

over the years, I've lived and worked in Europe, the U.S. and
Central America. wouldn't have traded it for the world. would
NOT do it again, for the same employer. if Uncle Sam has
anything to do with it... I'd walk away.

just my opinion

 

[acinpcola]

Retired Navy here, ask most married Sailors and they will tell you that any 6 month deployment away from family can never be made up. You lose that time, you don't get to get it back. You lose the smiles, the tears, the happy and sad times. You face a decision that many must make in todays world.

You must do what is right and good for you, don't second guess yourself. Make your decision and carry on.

Good luck to you, I am sure your family will stand behind you no matter whay you decide.

AC:spyder2:

 

[stillriding]

Father knows best.

 

[Ga Blue Knight]

I just retired last September for the second time. 1st US Army and now Federal Law Enforcement. It took me two months to realize that I don't need to work to feel good about myself. I now find fulfillment in my wife, children and in particular my 6 year old grandson. Stop to think about how much you already have, any deployment is hazardous (I've been in two conflicts). Listen to the old guys,your Dad and anyone else who has "been there". Pick the job that gives you the most family and enjoyment time as we all come with an unknown expiration date!

Good luck and best for you and yours.

P.S. two Blue Knights LE MC members in a row can't be wrong!!

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Good luck! :thumbup:

 

[dannymax]

I can tell you what I'd do but this one's on you 808....only you can make this decision, for the simple reason that you will have to live with the results.

That's all there is to it! Good luck man, I'm sure you will choose wisely. :2thumbs:

 

[Questions]

Thank you

Hi,

Thank you everyone for your good words. This is going to be a tough decision. Probably one of the hradest I have ever had to make. Yes, the deployment is to Afg. I am not sticking my chest out about it, but I am not too worried about that...been there done that before. Its just thae damn separation is made worse being there. We are already separated by my being in Alabama and my family in Texas....we call each other everyday, sometimes 6 or 7 times a day. In Afg, that wont be possible. What makes this a bit harder is my oldest child. She has roadmapped a plan to grad highschool a year early and press on to college. I dont want to mess that up for her. There are a few other factors as well...wont bore you with that stuff. Then I think to myself, I was given this job for a reason. I had this job secured before I stopped wearing my uniform...A real blessing. I am not the most religious person, but I think its time to pray and leave it in Gods hands. By the end if next week I will let you guys know. Once again...thank you for all your inputs...great advice and things to ponder.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Good luck with your decision

Time stops for no man - Good Luck

 

[Sarge707]

Father Knows Best, Also BUT If your going to" continue" to work pick the job, You Most like to do- Because that means everything to me!