MONEY
For Bozena and Ronald, a dual-Navy couple, the biggest issue that comes up is money. Bozena said that when Ronald starts to entertain the idea of getting out of the Navy, the first question is how they are going to make up that income. What job is out there that will compare to what he is paid and the benefits he receives in the Navy?
The military offers a lot of benefits. We all know that. How many jobs offer free medical insurance? Or have 30 days paid vacation? Or have a contract that makes the career recession-proof? It’s hard to walk away from the steady paycheck and benefits the military offers. If one member is strongly considering getting out of the military, you need to take time to do the research on what is out there to replace the current income. Start planning as far in advance as possible for a loss of income. Take every college course, licensing opportunity, and apprentice class that is offered. The member who wants to get out needs to look at how their skills will translate in the civilian world and have a plan of action for the change it’s going to have on the financial situation of the family.
CAREER PATH
For Nick and Meredith, a cross-branch Navy/Marine couple, the choice was easy. While Meredith was in the Navy, she was actively pursuing education that would translate to a civilian medical career. The Navy was a way to make sure she got to her end goal and once that happened the decision on if she would stay in while Nick continued his career in the military wasn’t a hard one. Their life in the military together has had it’s own set of challenges, but they always knew there was an end point so they did they best they could to make sure both spouses were able to succeed.
