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Constant battle. Just remember we all took different paths. In the end I wouldn’t trade a single moment of my 10 years to be where some of my age group peers are. Not a single one of them got to break the sound barrier in an F-15 😂
Yes and no. I definitely feel more resilient than my corporate peers. I also have a greater appreciation for the finer things in life now after my military experience
Chief
Honestly. It depends on the day. Most days I'm happy with my professional career because the military gave me certain experiences that have made me a better person.
There are some days here and there when I run into an old friend who is doing really well because of the network and businesses they were able to build by staying in one place that I wish I would have done guard/reserve instead of going active.
I will add that I have no problem working under people younger than me or less experienced than me. I know lots of my veteran colleagues who have really struggled with working under junior managers. Additionally I feel like some veterans have major FOMO. So they are still trying to get into 5 different things and frustrated that they aren't gaining traction anywhere.
Def not. I’m graduating from an M7 and am probably one of a handful of people with no debt, own their own home, and don’t rely on their parents financially. Also starting a solid 6 fig job in a couple months. I couldn’t be better
Yes, I do feel that way at times, but then I look at how much more adaptive and resilient I am in life. Even more so now than ever with recent events. I’m watching others fall apart because they can’t handle the stressors of all these events happening at once while also dealing with work. Some to the extent they are taking a sabbatical.
Although I may not be as far along in my career as some of those the same age as me who didn’t join the military, I’m confident I’ll thrive and will do well in life because I know how to adapt and overcome life hurdles and not let them distract me from progressing in my career and life.
My best friend is a vet as well and we both constantly push each other to do better and progress in our careers and life. Having someone like that has been extremely helpful because we keep each other accountable and push each other to do better.
Definitely feel behind monetarily, and ahead in life experience. Joe Shmoe doesn’t get to launch, activate and control multiple billion dollar satellite networks or help plan Neptune Spear communications for the entire naval operations during that period. Also, got to drop in and skateboard all over Iraq, my peers at work, there are none except my fellow vets.
Another thing to keep in mind, there are a couple of filters and a selection effect to consider.
In regular corporate, ex consultant, b school, roles, anyone decent can make senior manager or AD (the last levels without direct reports or functional responsibility) through time in grade. Then there is a filter at Director and another around VP. Lots of people get stuck just before those promotions. You kind make it by a certain time or just aren't ever seen as "director material".
Obviously your boss is likely one of the people who made it through that filter, as is that one friend who is doing really well. But lots of people have just put in 15 years and are now stuck marking time at a SM. I see military experience as starting the race behind but giving me the skills to get through those filters so I will end the race a head of many.
From a corporate career standpoint? Maybe. It does suck that almost everybody I have to answer to is younger than me. But on the other hand, I got to experience some really cool shit that most people wouldn’t ever experience, I traveled the world on the government’s dime, I have a guaranteed source of income (retirement check), I’m debt free with two master’s degrees, and I’ve made lifelong friends along the way.
Agree with everyone above. But sometimes I do wonder if I should’ve just gone straight to B-school instead.
Chief
My goals have shifted. I really want to get deeper into tech. Unfortunately tech values experience and certs more than a MBA, so for now, I'm punting a degree down the road while I focus on certs and getting hands on experience.
Salary wise I'm a little behind what MBA grads are making, but then again I didn't lose 2 years of income either. I could get an MBA and get into MBB where I would make considerably more if I stuck it out 6-8 years with them, but I don't think that lifestyle is for me anymore with kids in the picture now.
Absolutely feel behind professionally & monetarily but way ahead in life experience.
I just think about how screwed up I would’ve been had I not gotten my shit together by serving. We go through our unique journeys for a reason. Focus your mindset on what you want, move towards those goals and live a life without regret.
Yes I'm 33 and don't own a home and most likely won't for another year. Also no kids but my wife wants 4. She's a year younger. Jobwise I'm definitely behind people my age as my boss is younger and make almost double my salary.
Yep. Been playing catch-up since my ETS. I get a little frustrated at times when I have an early 20’s coworker try to explain to me how life works, but I take it with a grain of salt. Most of my buddies that stayed in ended up divorced and suffering from alcoholism, so I’m glad I got out when I did. I’m not sure I would’ve appreciated what I have now if I’d taken a different path.
Yes, but then I think about how I’m 100% debt free and headed to a T15 business school this Fall for free. That wouldn’t be possible without my time in the service. I also wouldn’t have landed in consulting without my time in service. So in actuality, I’m ahead of the game. Comparison is the thief of joy.
Yes sometimes, especially when I get the dreaded “wait- how/why are you just an analyst” question. I’ve found that it has definitely given me a good footing though, I have SMs and MDs asking for my input all the time so I see it as a very temporary setback. Also just finished a very fancy MBA for less than half price so all things considered it’s really just a minor irritation.
I see people I started with 22 years ago retiring, and here I am. Not retired by a long shot. Soooo there’s that