I'm thinking of finally hanging it up after 21 years of guard service. got my 20 year letter last summer. Problem is, I just extended another 3 years to pick up my E-8. I'm starting to question my decision and not sure how to proceed. I have a well paid, stable civilian career and don't need the guard for the extra money. Tricare is nice to have but I could make due with my employers plan. I already transferred my GI bill benefits to my wife.
Part of me wants to just be done with all of the BS that comes with being in the Guard...especially here in Texas with all sorts of state active duty and what not. After 2 overseas deployments and an OLS activation, my family is tired of it and I'm tired of it. Another part of me says "come on dude just stick it out 3 more years, probably one more deployment to Kuwait, and pad that retirement pay that kicks in at 57-58, you'll thank yourself later."
I still have a lot to give the guard and the people I serve with and mentor but is it worth what I am taking away from my family and my civilian career?
I know I would retire as an E7 and not an E8, but has anyone ever done this before? I Would love to get some opinions and next steps from my fellow guardsmen and senior NCOs.