Important life decision. Thoughts appreciated.

[poly]

To those that know me well you would know that I have been in the military for several years now and have always talked about getting out. I also just recently took 6 months off t travel the world where I had the time of my life, met awesome people and had invaluable experiences. I have been back to work now for 4 months and was hoping that my break would be enough to get me through the next year and a half when I plan on discharging.

Here's my predicament:

I fucking hate my job. Unfortunately it's not as much a job as more of a lifestyle. I was on a super high when I got back from my trip and my time at work has sucked that energy out of me. The only reason I have decided to stick it out for the 18 months was for the benefits I recieve for doing 10 years. In Australia we have what is know as long service leave where 3 months full pay is rewarded to anyone who stay in one job for 10 years, and then they keep accruing long service for the rest of their time in this job as of that date. It's basically a way to keep retention in jobs and keep skilled experienced workers in the same job there whole lives.

I plan on getting out regardless and have thought I would be crazy to pull the pin 13 months away from this benefit, but I'm not the type of person who can detach himself from his work life, I can't just switch off and do the job. I'm strongly considering saying fuck off to the benefits and just putting my discharge paper work in now. I'm financial, and have enough savings to live comfortably, get a part time job, and start directing my energy and time towards thinking about my next chapter in life. I'm excited to start this now and don't want to waste any more of my life doing something I hate. Then again it is just under 15k(after tax) of free money I would be throwing away just to hang around until August next year.

Really appreciate your thoughts on this bc as it stands now I'm really considering discharging and chucking myself in the deep end. fuck it! I'm a survivor.

But I do have a history of making stupid decisions bc i wanted it in the moment and ended up regretting it later when I thought about it more(got a tattoo on my arm I got to remind me of that).

Thanks:))

[stone]

Are there any other benefits or is it only that 3 months pay?

[Ice]

Hey Poly, is it possible to look for new work while before resigning?

Or, are there any promotional opportunities you could apply for that would fit what you're looking for?

[Moiser]

Hey Poly,

I know it's tough to return to reality after a long period of travel... in fact it’s soul destroying. Combine post travel blues with a job you hate, and it's very hard, almost impossible to not let these influences sway your decision.

I'd say you should go with your gut. Personally I would stick it out, at least until you know that you definitely want out as it's doesn't sound like a decision you can take back. You've given nine years of your life to this job, and, it sounds like it's provided you with a good lifestyle.

What are your plans when you get out Pol, are you heading off to travel again, starting a new career or something else? $15K is a lot of disposable cash to spend on either your interests or new career path.

Good luck man, keep us posted.

[poly]

Thanks heaps for the advice guys, I took it all on board and now with a clearer head have come to a decision.

My goal is to never work for someone again. This is a lofty goal but something I believe is totally achievable. Been reading up a lot lately on becoming an entrepreneur and this is what I want, and a reason I got excited and wanted to jump the gun early and get out to start on this new adventure.

Ice, you're right man I should have a sound plan before I pull the trigger, I have a few ideas to what I would like to do but should really do the appropriate research first and commit part time before putting all my eggs in the one basket.

Moiser, thanks man. You reminded me that my job has provided me with a pretty awesome lifestyle, I might get shafted a lot being in the military and on call all the bloody time, but I really do have it fucking easy and should take advantage of this last year and milk as much as I can before I pull the trigger.

Next year I put in for a respite position with justification due to being on flight line(shift work and highly deployed in an operational squadron) for the last 8 years. I got this spot, which means normal 7-4 work with every second Friday off. Pretty sweet gig.

I have sat down and worked out a tight budget and strong savings plan for the next year. I am going to try and become creative with my money and learn to live off little(with still enough to have fun:)). I can realistically save enough to discharge by start of July next year and live comfortably for 2 years without having to get another job). I think this is a lot to get me started in my new life.

My goal for the next year is to develop some goals, small chunk them, and start working towards them. I'm also going to start doing some volunteer work next year when I start my new position and start to get myself involved in my local community. I'm also going to start attending small business discussion meet ups in my community and start networking with young, like minded entrepreneurs.

Thanks again for the advice guys I really appreciate it.