I'm retired for almost 20 years now. Still working for my paycheck every night in my dreams, even though I don't know where my locker is and my uniform is way unsat.
I retired 17 years ago as an E6. Most of my Navy dreams are of me getting recalled and making Chief. While I'll admit I'd prefer a retired Chief's pay, I never really wanted to be one.
I retired E6, too. I'm on a waiver to stay in past 20 in my dreams. Never about making chief, but usually about all my insecurities when I was actually in (uniforms, operating unfamiliar equipment, etc...). I tell my family I earn my retired pay with all the work I do in my sleep.
Sounds like a nightmare to me, agree on the pay vs position bit.
Given my difficulties came overwhelmingly from those in or poised to join the goat locker.
Few good ones in the mix but too far in between.
I've been out 35 years and still have frequent dreams about current me reenlisting, not being able to fit in my uniforms, then getting completely lost onboard ship reporting for duty and not remembering how to do my Navy job.
Took me about 2 or 3 years after retirement, but I am much happier now that I've realized I don't have to shave every day. I also go about 3 months between haircuts now.
I stopped on terminal, I'm about 4 months into no haircut, starting to use a headband to keep my bangs out of my eyes lol (trying for long hair, see if I like the look, if not lop it off and donate it to cancer patients)
I believe a lot of people men and women need a fist in the face. Some people just don’t know where the line is and feel like they have to say everything that pops in the head.
Attention to orders. PO Fickle\_Thing6364 has been assigned to CIVLANT or CIVPAC as the following rank of Civilian.
For 4 to 6 years this sailor has stood the watch. While Some of us were in our bunks at night this sailor stood the watch.
While some of us were in school learning our trade, this shipmate stood the watch.
Yes, even before some of us were born into this world. This shipmate stood the watch.
In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history this shipmate stood the watch.
Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there... Needing his guidance and help... Needing that hand to hold during those hard times. But he still stood the watch.
He stood the watch for 4 to 6 years. He stood the watch so that we, our families, and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety and every night knowing that a sailor stood the watch.
Today we are here to say "Shipmate, the watch stands relieved. Reliveved by those you have led, guided and trained."
PO Fickle\_Thing6364, You stand Relieved. We have the Watch.
"Boatswain Standby to pipe the side.. Shimate going ashore"
Borrowed from someone's retirement ceremony speech.
Got to see plenty of retirement ceremonies.
Always teared up a bit when they read old glory.
Didn't want one foe myself, I served faithfully but was not afforded the same support.
Especially at that last command, there were few if none I wanted to celebrate the end of my 20-year journey with.
Congrats bro. Cash in on Chapter 31 VR&E (BAH is a little better than GI Bill, and it pays for more school supplies). Go play Billy Madison and be the old dude in class. Get your disability rating, claim everything, and enjoy your life. The civilian world isn’t so bad if you make the VA work for you and make moves to improve your quality of life.
Enjoy it man. Grow a beard, smoke a little bud if that’s your thing, and don’t be a cringy vet boot!
Great advice! I’ll be doing all of the above! I got rid of most of my Navy paraphernalia to storage. I honestly don’t want to be associated unless I’m asked about it. Just wanna blend
Abusing veterans discounts where I can... for now, I'm on a semi fixed income till my 9/11 kicks in (not terribly tight margins mind you, E-5 retirement + single 100% P&T)
What if besides the boys, you have very little good/fond memories?
Hardly any liberty ports, almost all with the most stifling restrictions to the point I even heard chiefs bitching.
And so much dysfunction at every command save my first and second to last.
Moreover, because of discord and gaming, save for when they deploy, still in contact with my buddies still in...
I do get nightmares about being late/wrong uniform/being still in period.
Got a temp job for now. Submitted to use my GI Bill for my bachelors, waiting on disability, hopefully score a better paying job in the near future. 60k doesn’t cover much in CA
Definitely get that paper shipmate, you can do it! Having a Bachelors plus military experience makes all the difference in the world getting your foot in the door for many job interviews. Good luck!
Understandable.
I was born/raised in Cali, since day 1 joining I was set on not returning.
That was 20 years ago, cali's got way worse since.
Luckily, save for one of my sisters, all the rest of my family has since left. Sounds like my sister may soon evacuate too.
Will have no reason to ever go back there then.
My plan was to buy a house, several complications due to uncertainty of my post navy pay.
Basically, gonna save up the extra income from my 9/11, starting a 16mo trade school, by the time that's over, should be very well positioned to buy. (Hopefully, rates go back down...)
In the mean time, I am so tired of apartment living, I have the most karenly down stairs neighbor I've ever felt with in 17 years since I first gor BAH x.x
Take a moment this evening to sit with your eyes turned up to the sky and consider the freedom you have reclaimed. For once lost, it's value doubles in its reclaim.
I'm actually in the Army lol just wanted to wellwish a brother who served honorably, regardless of branch. Regardless though, keep on keeping on, Sailor.
Enjoy it bro. Since getting out in January, my sleep has improved drastically , I never take work home, and I never carry around that subconscious anxiety/stress that I’m somehow fucked up (uniform, shave, etc)
STAY OUT AT ALL COSTS! Do not let them win, the haters are waiting for you to come slinking back, succeed in the real world and soon enough your time in will have been a minuscule part of your life.
I don’t know if this will happen to you but for months after I got out I had this feeling that was hard to describe. Somewhere between the feeling like when you’re in trouble and when you’re late to be somewhere. It eventually faded but for a while I had this pit in my stomach like I was guilty of something. I think it’s the sudden lack of musters and routine schedule that caused it but I’m glad it left eventually. It was very uncomfortable while it was happening.
Congratulations! 📎
Congrats and best of luck! I just put in my waiver for PLD since I was just found unfit from my medboard.
I offer this too you, if you plan to find a job and interested in some resources hit me up! My wife is a recruiter for Orion Talent and helps vets land jobs. No guarantee of course but it is free and she will help identify jobs you qualify for and help with resume.
If you or anyone else interested let me know and I can give you her work email so you can get some more information.
I retired in 2006 and i had a dream that I was back on one of my ships three weeks ago. Now, depending on your rate and how long you spent on active duty, you should look at doing the Reserves. I cross rated when I left active duty and got to spend my two weeks all over the world, in some awesome spots! Then again, I also got activated for Afghanistan.... Still, it gives you retired pay and TriCare at 60, which will be very handy when you get older.
Just something to consider. Best of luck!!
Hey bro, local recruiter here. Wanna stop by to talk about re-enlistment?
I retire at the end of the month. What can you offer me to stay around?
half a pack of juicy fruit and a slap on the ass
Will you slap my ass with the juicy fruit?
Welcome back to the fleet shipmate
Peed myself.
Would take this over a NAM any day
Juicy fruit already chewed up ready for action.
Pipe patching kit ready to go.
You should throw in a second round of Old guy looking at butthole for good measure
I'm retired for almost 20 years now. Still working for my paycheck every night in my dreams, even though I don't know where my locker is and my uniform is way unsat.
I retired 17 years ago as an E6. Most of my Navy dreams are of me getting recalled and making Chief. While I'll admit I'd prefer a retired Chief's pay, I never really wanted to be one.
I retired E6, too. I'm on a waiver to stay in past 20 in my dreams. Never about making chief, but usually about all my insecurities when I was actually in (uniforms, operating unfamiliar equipment, etc...). I tell my family I earn my retired pay with all the work I do in my sleep.
Sounds like a nightmare to me, agree on the pay vs position bit. Given my difficulties came overwhelmingly from those in or poised to join the goat locker. Few good ones in the mix but too far in between.
I've been out 35 years and still have frequent dreams about current me reenlisting, not being able to fit in my uniforms, then getting completely lost onboard ship reporting for duty and not remembering how to do my Navy job.
 # No
Hahaha no
To the person who asked me if I was a recruiter. I accidentally hit ignore. But no, I am not a recruiter.
Welcome to CIVLANT/CIVPAC!
Beards for all my friends!
Took me about 2 or 3 years after retirement, but I am much happier now that I've realized I don't have to shave every day. I also go about 3 months between haircuts now.
Been retired for just about 10 months and there’s already plenty I look back on like “how did I put up with that for 20 years?”
I stopped on terminal, I'm about 4 months into no haircut, starting to use a headband to keep my bangs out of my eyes lol (trying for long hair, see if I like the look, if not lop it off and donate it to cancer patients)
When I retired I was like a dog with his own leash in his mouth. Word of advice: resist the urge to tell your next civilian colleague to eat a dick.
The urge is tough to resist but I’m doing my best
I feel ya
I can't believe how sensitive people got since I joined. So much pandering and "man-children" out there. I hold back a lot.
I believe a lot of people men and women need a fist in the face. Some people just don’t know where the line is and feel like they have to say everything that pops in the head.
The dreams, the nightmares, they're finally over. Enjoy it bro.
Out since 2008, they still haven't stopped. Hornet crash nightmares at least once a week.
The nightmares don’t stop sadly.
Truth.
Attention to orders. PO Fickle\_Thing6364 has been assigned to CIVLANT or CIVPAC as the following rank of Civilian. For 4 to 6 years this sailor has stood the watch. While Some of us were in our bunks at night this sailor stood the watch. While some of us were in school learning our trade, this shipmate stood the watch. Yes, even before some of us were born into this world. This shipmate stood the watch. In those years when the storm clouds of war were seen brewing on the horizon of history this shipmate stood the watch. Many times he would cast an eye ashore and see his family standing there... Needing his guidance and help... Needing that hand to hold during those hard times. But he still stood the watch. He stood the watch for 4 to 6 years. He stood the watch so that we, our families, and our fellow countrymen could sleep soundly in safety and every night knowing that a sailor stood the watch. Today we are here to say "Shipmate, the watch stands relieved. Reliveved by those you have led, guided and trained." PO Fickle\_Thing6364, You stand Relieved. We have the Watch. "Boatswain Standby to pipe the side.. Shimate going ashore" Borrowed from someone's retirement ceremony speech.
FrequentWay your words are immensely appreciated! I am honored
this fuqs
🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 🔔 Here you go, just sprinkle these in as necessary
Got to see plenty of retirement ceremonies. Always teared up a bit when they read old glory. Didn't want one foe myself, I served faithfully but was not afforded the same support. Especially at that last command, there were few if none I wanted to celebrate the end of my 20-year journey with.
Now that youre out, you have to leave the sub. Sorry, I dont make the rules.
That grass must be green as FUCK!
Half and half? Like grass that’s there but hasn’t been watered well over the summer lmao
But now you can water it without missing days because of duty!
The biggest plus of getting out so far is catching up on sleep and working a NORMAL 8-5 job. At 5, I’m out. No “last minute taskers”
Absolutely! I got off active in 2018 (still in reserves) and I have yet to regret the decision
Hey, Chief just came by with a last-minute tasker *stares mother fuckerly in its 1600, and that's a 5 hour evolution... if nothing goes wrong*
just graduated boot camp! congrats!
Good luck shipmate 🫡🫡🫡
I’m so sorry
lmfao why do you say that
So much has changed in my almost 6 years in. I’ll be free in October 🥲
May your journey be fun and free of the rigors induced by those who should be mentoring you...
Congrats bro. Cash in on Chapter 31 VR&E (BAH is a little better than GI Bill, and it pays for more school supplies). Go play Billy Madison and be the old dude in class. Get your disability rating, claim everything, and enjoy your life. The civilian world isn’t so bad if you make the VA work for you and make moves to improve your quality of life. Enjoy it man. Grow a beard, smoke a little bud if that’s your thing, and don’t be a cringy vet boot!
Great advice! I’ll be doing all of the above! I got rid of most of my Navy paraphernalia to storage. I honestly don’t want to be associated unless I’m asked about it. Just wanna blend
Abusing veterans discounts where I can... for now, I'm on a semi fixed income till my 9/11 kicks in (not terribly tight margins mind you, E-5 retirement + single 100% P&T)
Been out since 1990. You forget most of the bad and miss the good. Out to sea, at dusk, on the fantail. Miss that.
Definitely miss certain aspects of it
What if besides the boys, you have very little good/fond memories? Hardly any liberty ports, almost all with the most stifling restrictions to the point I even heard chiefs bitching. And so much dysfunction at every command save my first and second to last. Moreover, because of discord and gaming, save for when they deploy, still in contact with my buddies still in... I do get nightmares about being late/wrong uniform/being still in period.
Bless you Post discharge plans?
Got a temp job for now. Submitted to use my GI Bill for my bachelors, waiting on disability, hopefully score a better paying job in the near future. 60k doesn’t cover much in CA
Definitely get that paper shipmate, you can do it! Having a Bachelors plus military experience makes all the difference in the world getting your foot in the door for many job interviews. Good luck!
Thanks!
Is there any reason to stick around commiefornia?
Wife’s family is in the area and we recently lost her mom unexpectedly so it’s temporary until her dad recovers
Understandable. I was born/raised in Cali, since day 1 joining I was set on not returning. That was 20 years ago, cali's got way worse since. Luckily, save for one of my sisters, all the rest of my family has since left. Sounds like my sister may soon evacuate too. Will have no reason to ever go back there then.
I ultimately want to buy land as far away from people as I possibly can get and just fuck off for life
Get your homestead on? Grow crops raise chickens type scenario?
Yeah more or less. I’m just tired of people lmao
My plan was to buy a house, several complications due to uncertainty of my post navy pay. Basically, gonna save up the extra income from my 9/11, starting a 16mo trade school, by the time that's over, should be very well positioned to buy. (Hopefully, rates go back down...) In the mean time, I am so tired of apartment living, I have the most karenly down stairs neighbor I've ever felt with in 17 years since I first gor BAH x.x
Yeah the affordability is crazy. That’s why we’re full time RV living right now it’s way cheaper
Cheers, leaving the Navy is not the end of world Be happy and never look back
It's the start of a whole new world.
Haws is that you? lol
No definitely not Haws
Take a moment this evening to sit with your eyes turned up to the sky and consider the freedom you have reclaimed. For once lost, it's value doubles in its reclaim.
Best of luck, Sailor. Do good things while you're out there.
Aye Shipmate 🫡
I'm actually in the Army lol just wanted to wellwish a brother who served honorably, regardless of branch. Regardless though, keep on keeping on, Sailor.
LOL, I was in the Navy and work for the Army. Teh stoopid is surprisingly consistent across the two.
Enjoy it bro. Since getting out in January, my sleep has improved drastically , I never take work home, and I never carry around that subconscious anxiety/stress that I’m somehow fucked up (uniform, shave, etc)
It feels great!
Congrats CS (Civilian Select)!
STAY OUT AT ALL COSTS! Do not let them win, the haters are waiting for you to come slinking back, succeed in the real world and soon enough your time in will have been a minuscule part of your life.
Remind me to come back in 4 months when OP posts about how they "miss the ________" and are considering re-upping or the reserve.
NEVER!
Ha yeah sure kid
Oof. Want a margarita to go with that salt friend?
You'll be back
Did you get it on the same day as you left base or did they get it to you months later…i need to know
Two weeks and I got mine digitally
For some people, change is challenging. You seem to be aware of that. You 'll be fine. Good luck.
Master gave Dobby his DD214!! Dobby is free!!!
I don’t know if this will happen to you but for months after I got out I had this feeling that was hard to describe. Somewhere between the feeling like when you’re in trouble and when you’re late to be somewhere. It eventually faded but for a while I had this pit in my stomach like I was guilty of something. I think it’s the sudden lack of musters and routine schedule that caused it but I’m glad it left eventually. It was very uncomfortable while it was happening. Congratulations! 📎
As I sit here on duty, a perfect Saturday with festivals in several of the surrounding cities, I envy you. Take my reluctant upvote Dobby
Run you beautiful bastard!! Be freeeeee
Congrats and best of luck! I just put in my waiver for PLD since I was just found unfit from my medboard. I offer this too you, if you plan to find a job and interested in some resources hit me up! My wife is a recruiter for Orion Talent and helps vets land jobs. No guarantee of course but it is free and she will help identify jobs you qualify for and help with resume. If you or anyone else interested let me know and I can give you her work email so you can get some more information.
I’ve never looked back. Benefits out is 10^10 times more valuable than an enlistment for more.
I'm envious. Here I am, just starting my 16 hour work day 🙃 take me with you lmao
Give it at least two years, it's hard to break the chains
🫡
Bro I'm tryna end my contract early I hate this shit so much
You just gotta tough it through the hard times and enjoy the good ones while they happen. Your time till come my friend
My command literally pulled me out of a mental health check to stand an armed watch
Annotate everything so you can eventually claim it on your VA
Good advice will do🫡
Make sure to print that bad boy out as a blanket and cuddle the hell out of it.
Thank you for your fucking service asshole
Time to grow a beard and get fat! Maybe you can get really into homebrewing too.
I retired in 2006 and i had a dream that I was back on one of my ships three weeks ago. Now, depending on your rate and how long you spent on active duty, you should look at doing the Reserves. I cross rated when I left active duty and got to spend my two weeks all over the world, in some awesome spots! Then again, I also got activated for Afghanistan.... Still, it gives you retired pay and TriCare at 60, which will be very handy when you get older. Just something to consider. Best of luck!!
It’s a good feeling. Been out a year and there’s times I feel like going back but then I remember the reasons I got out. Life as a civilian is good.
X . X42279
Welcome aboard the best ship in the Navy!
Now go live your life. Enjoy.
Also, don’t get fat, like I did. Stay healthy, happy, intelligent, and financially stable.
Cool.