Need to think out loud

[Ultra25-06]

I haved served for a little over 10 years now with all intentions of doing 20 or more. I really do enjoy what I do. The last few years have really made me reconsider if I want to continue doing what I do. This weekends events did not help. I just dont know anymore. Please feel free to put your thoughts and experiences or motivational suggestions. Thanks for the help.

P.S.
I have always loved the thought of being a Game Warden, Forest Ranger or working on a logging crew up in the mountains. Degree is almost finished. 

[SteveHawaii]

My suggestion is that you don't make life decisions based on recent events.  That never seems to work.  Best to make long term plans and work toward them with short term goals.  Move from one thing to another.  Don't move from until you know what the other is.  It's easier to get a job from a job.  If you're doing what you love, you can put up with a lot.  No matter what you do there is going to be some part you don't like.  But go with your passion.  You and everyone around you will be glad you did.

[Dand]

+1 for Steve in Hawaii. Also, I'd suggest you thoroughly investigate each of those career alternatives, job requirements for advancement, bad sides and good before making any sudden moves.  My sense is that with all the regulations and depressed economy, logging isn't doing so well these days; plus its one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. In any law enforcement there is a lot of paper work, bureaucracy and politics not to mention that advancement usually requires a college degree closely related to the field. Take your time and jump only with your eyes wide open. Good luck.

[magooch]

Ultra, I assume you are in the service, but you didn't say what you do.  What happpened this weekend to make you wonder if you want to continue?

You mentioned a degree; wouldn't that figure fairly prominently into your future plans?

My best advice it no matter what you decide on, take full advantage of every thing available to invest and save for your retirement.  Retirement is when life really begins and the more you prepare for it, the better it's going to be and the sooner it can begin.  Also, get yourself into eating right (lots of fruits and vegies--less red meat) and keep in shape.  Find a hobby, or activity that you are absolutely passionate about.

[Old Fart]

Life sure tosses us some tough decisions from time to time. 
Just know that there are lots of folks out here that appreciate your service.
I hope you can come to peace with the choices you have to make.

[bearmgc]

Follow your bliss. When you love what you're doing, money isn't as important. And you'll live longer.

[Froghunter]

Stay as long as you can and when they said you are working for half pay if your are over 20 years, so be it...........Go some more. I did 26 and retired as an E-8. Retired at 44 years old, but working for the state at a school now. Retirement pay and compensation= alittle over 48,000 a year. Health insurance for a family of four, just under 500 dollars a year. The 10-13 year marks are the hardest, but you can make it. If you had an issues this past weekend, PM me with what....... and will be able to let you know what course of action to take.

Froghunter
First Sergeant (Ret) TOP
Combat Engineer (21B5P) Really 21Z5P

[CannonKrazy]

My father told me when I was a little boy. Find something you enjoy doing cause when the day comes that you have to work for a living you are going to be doing it for a long time!!!!
I have been lucky so far. Most all the work I've done was enjoyable with some good people that helped make it so.

[charles p]

If you are in the military, stay with it.  I have Tricare health insurance for my wife and me.  If is good and it is free.  My reserve pension is also nice.  Every time the military gets a raise, I do to.  Did 27 years in the Coast Guard Reserve.  Would do it all over again.

Get a commission with your degree.  Your retirement will go up substantially.

[Oldshooter]

Hey just a thought fellas, will the military health care just be "everybodys" health care now??
 oh and how about the VA anybody know?

[dukkillr]

One of my best friends is a game warden and hates it.  If you want to email him PM me and I'll send you an address.

[torpedoman]

Hang tight and it will be worth it in the long run.

[bilmac]

Jobs in the Fish and Wildlife field are extremely competitive. Everybody has the same idea as you. Also the law enforcement field in many states have the same age restrictions as the military. Any work in the field is extremely satisfying if you can get it. Since you would not be dependent on this job for your total income I would suggest you look at wildlife technician type jobs. In actuality that is where the fun is, they are the people who spend the most time in the outdoors, the techs just don't make a lot of money.

[Ultra25-06]

Thanks for all the thoughts and words. No worries as far as me getting out, I will continue to do what I enjoy. Just needed to vent and here it from someone else I guess. Some of the directions our country continue to go just dont agree with me, but there are other reason why I do what I do.

As far as the health care issue that was mentioned/compared with military health care, for those who have not delt with it be prepared to be frustrated if not down right angry. Oh ya the little things like shots, check ups and dental cleanings are nice but just wait until somthing happens or you need a specialist. I hope you like motrin, choice fix it all drug of the goverment.

Back on track now. I will just continue my service and education as I have been doing. By the way wildlife technician or habbitat anything type jobs are what I am really aiming at my degree plan is ecology.

Just realized its my 100th post.

[Oldshooter]

Sorry, wasnt trying to hijack, but your post made me think about "your" medical care and the VA.
Thanks for responding though.

Good luck and be safe in whatever you decide to do. A Sane approach to ecology would be a refreshing thing! BTW Thanks for your Service as well.

[charles p]

I have TriCare insurance and I go to my regular doctors for any service I need.  There is a deductible.  If I want free medical service, I can go to the VA I suppose.

[powderman]

My best friend is a veteran, disabled, and depends on the VA for his medical needs. He's had cataracts for a long time. They have let it go til now he is legally blind. He has to dialize 3 X a week and can't even drive himself to the hospitol. They finally said they will operate on one eye April 27th. Great program.  , NOT. POWDERMAN. 

[The Hermit]

Ultra25-06, thank you for your service. I'm sure you will make the right decision. I still love my country, but despise my government. There is a difference. Responding out load.     



    The Hermit

[slim rem 7]

being a game warden in this country ,may become a very dangerouse job..
 my family is raised,my wifes mabe a deaths door now..
 but in the hard times ,that i think are comeing..if i had  to feed
 my family.. there wouldn t be a hunting season ..if i wasn t able to fill the freezor during hunting season..
 now with just me to consider ..id be slower about doing that.. but id still find something to eat..
of course the first thing to do is have a good garden,,assuming the gov t hasn t started dictating to people what veggies to have in thier garden.. if that happens ..all bets are of an i become an worse outlaw than i am.. ..jmo slim
 ps.. now understand ..ive much respect for game an fishes ability to manage wild life in the past..
 i see deer ,coon,fox,turkey an so much other game now ..that i didn t see in my county as a boy..
 now quail are not as plentiful.. but thats from allowing predators to repopulate this area..imo..
 yesterday i sat an watched a big tom with 5 hens,doing thier thing.. it sure was a pretty sight..