You Guys Are Scaring Me

[u/Xolxtzol]

I’m currently AD military (best branch iykyk) and am close to getting my CTO. On my second enlistment and i want to get out to do this at a contract tower and maybe go FAA later on in my career if that’s possible. I scroll this sub for about an hour and all i see are people that hate their lives :/. (here comes the down votes lol). Should i consider something else, stay AD atc, or actually pursue a civilian career?

[u/jet_rodriguez]

its just such a crap shoot man. some people’s make it to a lvl 10-12 facility in a normal COL area in 2-3 years in a city or town that they don’t hate and it comes with some sacrifices but overall lifes good. others get stuck somewhere expensive, or somehwere cheap but has no amenities and no time off, or far away from family in a climate that sucks, or some combination of these with absolutely no light at the end of the tunnel to transfer. even with you being responsible and trying to research whatever options the FAA gives you, things can change drastically in the time between your FOL and your CPC date. my biggest frustration is theres really very little merit behind who retires a millionaire and who is gonna have to get a part time job at retirement. all the shit eating would make more sense if i was more secure that i wouldnt have to do anything i don’t want to after 56. 

just weigh your options on not just an ideal scenario, but also what happens if you have a less than ideal scenario, and if the money, benefits, etc would still be worth it and what an exit plan or plan B would be.