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Dave Says
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| Copyright © 2009 Hendrix Media Group/Bluegrass Christian Magazine/KYfamily.com |
Know When To Leave
Dear Dave,
I’m 25 years old and have served in the military for seven years. I’m not sure I like what I’m doing as
much as I did a few years ago, plus I’ve had some pretty exciting opportunities come my way in another
field. Do you think it would be worth it to stay in for another 13 years just to get full retirement
benefits?
Wayne
Dear Wayne,
It’s really simple. If you love it, stay in. If you don’t love it, get out. Serving in the armed forces is voluntary in
this country. In a sense, that makes it a lot like other jobs. Thirteen years is a long time to hold your nose and
walk through a briar patch. If you’re not excited anymore by what you’re doing, then it’s time to find another
line of work.
There are people who absolutely love the military. It makes a great career for some folks, and I think that’s
awesome. God bless them for serving their country that way. But whether you’re in the military or a civilian, I
think you should do what you love. If you were just a few months away from retirement, I might tell you to ride
this thing out. But hanging around for years in a job you don’t like just to collect benefits is not a good plan!
- Dave
*For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org.
I’m 25 years old and have served in the military for seven years. I’m not sure I like what I’m doing as
much as I did a few years ago, plus I’ve had some pretty exciting opportunities come my way in another
field. Do you think it would be worth it to stay in for another 13 years just to get full retirement
benefits?
Wayne
Dear Wayne,
It’s really simple. If you love it, stay in. If you don’t love it, get out. Serving in the armed forces is voluntary in
this country. In a sense, that makes it a lot like other jobs. Thirteen years is a long time to hold your nose and
walk through a briar patch. If you’re not excited anymore by what you’re doing, then it’s time to find another
line of work.
There are people who absolutely love the military. It makes a great career for some folks, and I think that’s
awesome. God bless them for serving their country that way. But whether you’re in the military or a civilian, I
think you should do what you love. If you were just a few months away from retirement, I might tell you to ride
this thing out. But hanging around for years in a job you don’t like just to collect benefits is not a good plan!
- Dave
*For more financial advice, plus special offers to our readers, please visit www.davesays.org.
