Options after the military
Discussion
Good evening everybody,
I'm after a bit of advice please and I thought I would throw myself upon the mercy of fellow Pistonheaders... I'm currently serving in the RAF and sit in the back of Tornado jets. While I know that for many this is a dream job, and indeed I've had great times and done things I could only have dreamed of otherwise, it might soon be approaching the time to move on. I'm in my early thirties, recently married, and have been in thirteen years having joined after A Levels. I could 'press the button' tomorrow and be out in slightly less than six months, or stick at what I do now for the next six years and walk away with a reasonable payout and a smallish five figure pension.
What I like about my current job is the sense of purpose, being part of a team and experiencing proper esprit de corps, the money (never going to earn millions but c £50k pa), and working with a variety of keen, clever people both flying, supporting, and maintaining the aeroplanes. What I don't enjoy so much is living apart from my wife (she is also in the Services, and has to work away Mon-Fri), and spending an ever increasing amount of time in dangerous places. Because my part of the RAF is shrinking, and indeed my role will disappear once the Tornado goes out of service, promotion opportunities are limited and I will struggle to get a posting away from the frontline in order to get some quality of life back. I should add that my wife is also considering her options, but her getting a job where she could live at home most of the time doesn't appear to be an option.
The problem I face is, regardless of whether I leave tomorrow or at my pension point, is that I don't really have much of an idea what I could do after or what I might be suited to; I guess I might have become a touch institutionalised over the last decade or so! I got reasonable grades at school but don't have a degree which might have pointed me down a particular path. I would like to think that, having been a commissioned officer and flown in fast jets, that I might have a few skills which would make me appealing to prospective future employers, but I'm struggling to narrow down my options if that makes sense. Right now my preferred option is to stay until my pension point (so long as the work/life balance is tenable), and use any time away I get to get some relevant qualifications for the future.
Does anybody have any advice, sage or otherwise, that might help?
Thanks for any advice you can offer
I'm after a bit of advice please and I thought I would throw myself upon the mercy of fellow Pistonheaders... I'm currently serving in the RAF and sit in the back of Tornado jets. While I know that for many this is a dream job, and indeed I've had great times and done things I could only have dreamed of otherwise, it might soon be approaching the time to move on. I'm in my early thirties, recently married, and have been in thirteen years having joined after A Levels. I could 'press the button' tomorrow and be out in slightly less than six months, or stick at what I do now for the next six years and walk away with a reasonable payout and a smallish five figure pension.
What I like about my current job is the sense of purpose, being part of a team and experiencing proper esprit de corps, the money (never going to earn millions but c £50k pa), and working with a variety of keen, clever people both flying, supporting, and maintaining the aeroplanes. What I don't enjoy so much is living apart from my wife (she is also in the Services, and has to work away Mon-Fri), and spending an ever increasing amount of time in dangerous places. Because my part of the RAF is shrinking, and indeed my role will disappear once the Tornado goes out of service, promotion opportunities are limited and I will struggle to get a posting away from the frontline in order to get some quality of life back. I should add that my wife is also considering her options, but her getting a job where she could live at home most of the time doesn't appear to be an option.
The problem I face is, regardless of whether I leave tomorrow or at my pension point, is that I don't really have much of an idea what I could do after or what I might be suited to; I guess I might have become a touch institutionalised over the last decade or so! I got reasonable grades at school but don't have a degree which might have pointed me down a particular path. I would like to think that, having been a commissioned officer and flown in fast jets, that I might have a few skills which would make me appealing to prospective future employers, but I'm struggling to narrow down my options if that makes sense. Right now my preferred option is to stay until my pension point (so long as the work/life balance is tenable), and use any time away I get to get some relevant qualifications for the future.
Does anybody have any advice, sage or otherwise, that might help?
Thanks for any advice you can offer
98elise said:
Stick it out for the 6 years. Having a pension at 40 is worth way more fhan you think. It makes it far easier to resettle. Durinv those 6 years study for a new career.
Yeah - this mate. My muckers (Army) that did their 22 are in a great position now.As said, spend the time studying and try hard to get a posting that will leave you with Management as opposed to Operational skills.
Also, the 6 years will give you a great opportunity to start looking at the civvi job market and there will be many opportunities for you but you may have to turn quite a few stones over and think laterally.
98elise said:
Stick it out for the 6 years. Having a pension at 40 is worth way more fhan you think. It makes it far easier to resettle. Durinv those 6 years study for a new career.
definitely, its not all rosy outside in civvie street and the pension will give you a lot more options what kind of jobs you can afford to takeTry to make the most of those 6 years training for the next stage when you do leave...
Difficult one without looking at the numbers.
Remember the next strategic defence review could force your hand, the last certainly did for me. My pension as a junior Lt Col was only going to be worth pennies (relatively speaking), I joined later so was forced to move onto the 2015 pension, so that big rosy pension you expected may not be waiting for you, do the pension calculator.
I am now working as a contractor, which is a massive step change, if I don't work I don't earn, nothing is guaranteed, however I made more than my Gratuity was worth in two months. I joined later, after university and left at around 7 years, as opposed to entering the joyous staff college and flogging myself for the next promotion, I loved my career, however having a year between 7 month deployments and the constant merry go round of postings made having a life and family impossible.
What are your options after you leave, believe it or not your commission is worth more than a degree, speak to the likes of J1 Consulting and The List. A lot will depend upon where you wish to settle, London anywhere else is a little more challenging but by no means insurmountable.
I would also advise having an exit strategy, don't both jump at the same time, it will be very stressful!
Remember the next strategic defence review could force your hand, the last certainly did for me. My pension as a junior Lt Col was only going to be worth pennies (relatively speaking), I joined later so was forced to move onto the 2015 pension, so that big rosy pension you expected may not be waiting for you, do the pension calculator.
I am now working as a contractor, which is a massive step change, if I don't work I don't earn, nothing is guaranteed, however I made more than my Gratuity was worth in two months. I joined later, after university and left at around 7 years, as opposed to entering the joyous staff college and flogging myself for the next promotion, I loved my career, however having a year between 7 month deployments and the constant merry go round of postings made having a life and family impossible.
What are your options after you leave, believe it or not your commission is worth more than a degree, speak to the likes of J1 Consulting and The List. A lot will depend upon where you wish to settle, London
anywhere else is a little more challenging but by no means insurmountable. I would also advise having an exit strategy, don't both jump at the same time, it will be very stressful!
JD84 said:
Difficult one without looking at the numbers.
Remember the next strategic defence review could force your hand, the last certainly did for me. My pension as a junior Lt Col was only going to be worth pennies (relatively speaking), I joined later so was forced to move onto the 2015 pension, so that big rosy pension you expected may not be waiting for you, do the pension calculator.
I am now working as a contractor, which is a massive step change, if I don't work I don't earn, nothing is guaranteed, however I made more than my Gratuity was worth in two months. I joined later, after university and left at around 7 years, as opposed to entering the joyous staff college and flogging myself for the next promotion, I loved my career, however having a year between 7 month deployments and the constant merry go round of postings made having a life and family impossible.
What are your options after you leave, believe it or not your commission is worth more than a degree, speak to the likes of J1 Consulting and The List. A lot will depend upon where you wish to settle, London anywhere else is a little more challenging but by no means insurmountable.
I would also advise having an exit strategy, don't both jump at the same time, it will be very stressful!
Lt Col in seven years - blimey that's impressive!Remember the next strategic defence review could force your hand, the last certainly did for me. My pension as a junior Lt Col was only going to be worth pennies (relatively speaking), I joined later so was forced to move onto the 2015 pension, so that big rosy pension you expected may not be waiting for you, do the pension calculator.
I am now working as a contractor, which is a massive step change, if I don't work I don't earn, nothing is guaranteed, however I made more than my Gratuity was worth in two months. I joined later, after university and left at around 7 years, as opposed to entering the joyous staff college and flogging myself for the next promotion, I loved my career, however having a year between 7 month deployments and the constant merry go round of postings made having a life and family impossible.
What are your options after you leave, believe it or not your commission is worth more than a degree, speak to the likes of J1 Consulting and The List. A lot will depend upon where you wish to settle, London
anywhere else is a little more challenging but by no means insurmountable. I would also advise having an exit strategy, don't both jump at the same time, it will be very stressful!
Issi said:
JD84 said:
Difficult one without looking at the numbers.
Remember the next strategic defence review could force your hand, the last certainly did for me. My pension as a junior Lt Col was only going to be worth pennies (relatively speaking), I joined later so was forced to move onto the 2015 pension, so that big rosy pension you expected may not be waiting for you, do the pension calculator.
I am now working as a contractor, which is a massive step change, if I don't work I don't earn, nothing is guaranteed, however I made more than my Gratuity was worth in two months. I joined later, after university and left at around 7 years, as opposed to entering the joyous staff college and flogging myself for the next promotion, I loved my career, however having a year between 7 month deployments and the constant merry go round of postings made having a life and family impossible.
What are your options after you leave, believe it or not your commission is worth more than a degree, speak to the likes of J1 Consulting and The List. A lot will depend upon where you wish to settle, London anywhere else is a little more challenging but by no means insurmountable.
I would also advise having an exit strategy, don't both jump at the same time, it will be very stressful!
Lt Col in seven years - blimey that's impressive!Remember the next strategic defence review could force your hand, the last certainly did for me. My pension as a junior Lt Col was only going to be worth pennies (relatively speaking), I joined later so was forced to move onto the 2015 pension, so that big rosy pension you expected may not be waiting for you, do the pension calculator.
I am now working as a contractor, which is a massive step change, if I don't work I don't earn, nothing is guaranteed, however I made more than my Gratuity was worth in two months. I joined later, after university and left at around 7 years, as opposed to entering the joyous staff college and flogging myself for the next promotion, I loved my career, however having a year between 7 month deployments and the constant merry go round of postings made having a life and family impossible.
What are your options after you leave, believe it or not your commission is worth more than a degree, speak to the likes of J1 Consulting and The List. A lot will depend upon where you wish to settle, London
anywhere else is a little more challenging but by no means insurmountable. I would also advise having an exit strategy, don't both jump at the same time, it will be very stressful!
I also thought you went to Staff College during the rank of Major?
Frodo,
I'm ex-RN and left at the 16 year point as a Chief Petty Officer. There are plenty of options out here in civvy street and I've been able to pick and choose since I left 2 years ago. I was intending on doing a full-time MBA but that fell by the wayside due to personal circumstances (baby girl arrived and is proceeding to empty my wallet on a scarily fast basis
).
Personally speaking, if you do go down the route of the 6 clicks to happiness on JPA, then take what the Career Transition Partnership say with a pinch of salt. I found them next to useless and used my own contacts and experience to obtain a role in civvy street.
Deloitte are always looking for ex-military types and I personally know of one ex RAF SO2 Air Traffic Controller who is now a Director in the Risk part of the business. It's not my place to state what sort of pay he's on but it's a hefty increase.
I'm ex-RN and left at the 16 year point as a Chief Petty Officer. There are plenty of options out here in civvy street and I've been able to pick and choose since I left 2 years ago. I was intending on doing a full-time MBA but that fell by the wayside due to personal circumstances (baby girl arrived and is proceeding to empty my wallet on a scarily fast basis
). Personally speaking, if you do go down the route of the 6 clicks to happiness on JPA, then take what the Career Transition Partnership say with a pinch of salt. I found them next to useless and used my own contacts and experience to obtain a role in civvy street.
Deloitte are always looking for ex-military types and I personally know of one ex RAF SO2 Air Traffic Controller who is now a Director in the Risk part of the business. It's not my place to state what sort of pay he's on but it's a hefty increase.
Frodo,
Have you considered looking to work in the ROV sector?
A friend of mine used to be NCO rearcrew on the Nimrods and is now an ROV pilot.
He works a 4 on, 4 off rotation in the North sea, says that the skillset from his old job were similar and earns a very tidy salary. Although he didnt say an exact figure, he told me he earns in excess of your average group captain and that to justify leaving offshore work for a land based job (gets alot of allowances, taxes sorted etc) he couldnt do it for less than £120k a year.
Have you considered looking to work in the ROV sector?
A friend of mine used to be NCO rearcrew on the Nimrods and is now an ROV pilot.
He works a 4 on, 4 off rotation in the North sea, says that the skillset from his old job were similar and earns a very tidy salary. Although he didnt say an exact figure, he told me he earns in excess of your average group captain and that to justify leaving offshore work for a land based job (gets alot of allowances, taxes sorted etc) he couldnt do it for less than £120k a year.
I would stay and use the next 6 years to gear yourself up for leaving
If you had a realistic career pathway you wanted to peruse I would leave now, but as you don't it would be a very risky decision
Plus if you leave with a pension, it means you can be a lot more relaxed and use it to "top up" a job that you enjoy but maybe doesn't pay that well.
I've always left jobs, not realising how "good" they were at the time.
If you had a realistic career pathway you wanted to peruse I would leave now, but as you don't it would be a very risky decision
Plus if you leave with a pension, it means you can be a lot more relaxed and use it to "top up" a job that you enjoy but maybe doesn't pay that well.
I've always left jobs, not realising how "good" they were at the time.
6 years is nothing, it will fly by (pardon the pun).
I did my 22 and the monthly pension comes in very handy. It means in my current job, when I'm offered overtime, I invariably turn it down and I can enjoy my four days off, doing what I want to do, indulging my hobbies and spending quality time with family and friends.
I did my 22 and the monthly pension comes in very handy. It means in my current job, when I'm offered overtime, I invariably turn it down and I can enjoy my four days off, doing what I want to do, indulging my hobbies and spending quality time with family and friends.
I employ a lot of ex forces guys and girls, mostly engineers. Their skills and background make them readily deployable across a range of sectors. Your background is quite specific and although I do employ pilots I am not sure what your navigator background would be suited to. Perhaps have a think what you would like to do and spend the next 6 years preparing for that.
Thank you everybody for taking the time to reply - I appreciate it. I think it has reinforced my opinion that I'd be a bit silly to overlook the security and flexibility that my immediate pension would offer (I'm on AFPS75 btw for those ex-mil types, so have a few years of the old deal which makes my 'pot' reasonable rather than the new deal).
Using the next few years trying to work out exactly what it is I'd like to do and then gaining some appropriate quals and work experience is exactly what I had thought would be the way forward; it just means I need to examine a few different jobs and see what it is that would suit and that I'd enjoy...
I think I'd prefer to do something practical or outdoors, rather than being behind a desk - although the link to Barclays is interesting and not something I'd considered before. The ROV/offshore option is something I know a lot of my ex-colleagues have gone to do, but I think that despite the excellent money/time off, it wouldn't suit our domestic situation - I've done nearly a year and a half in Afghanistan/over Iraq, so I think sleeping in the same house (or country!) is much underrated!
Thanks again all for stimulating a lot of thought
Using the next few years trying to work out exactly what it is I'd like to do and then gaining some appropriate quals and work experience is exactly what I had thought would be the way forward; it just means I need to examine a few different jobs and see what it is that would suit and that I'd enjoy...
I think I'd prefer to do something practical or outdoors, rather than being behind a desk - although the link to Barclays is interesting and not something I'd considered before. The ROV/offshore option is something I know a lot of my ex-colleagues have gone to do, but I think that despite the excellent money/time off, it wouldn't suit our domestic situation - I've done nearly a year and a half in Afghanistan/over Iraq, so I think sleeping in the same house (or country!) is much underrated!
Thanks again all for stimulating a lot of thought
CTW will show you how to translate your skill set to Civvy St and how to speak their language in terms of saying, 'I was a Flt Lt in a two-man fast jet so I can work well within small teams under intense pressure as demonstrated by X.' I was hurtling towards my IPP when I decided to do an MSc paid for by ELCs, your rank, experience and Staff education should qualify you for this through Portsmouth Uni (I say should, I'm Army and our ICSC is considerably longer than yours!). THere's a DIN on this but I can't remember the number, sorry. As it happens I stayed in and did another MSc but that's another story! Good luck with whatever you decide.
Issi said:
JD84 said:
Difficult one without looking at the numbers.
Remember the next strategic defence review could force your hand, the last certainly did for me. My pension as a junior Lt Col was only going to be worth pennies (relatively speaking), I joined later so was forced to move onto the 2015 pension, so that big rosy pension you expected may not be waiting for you, do the pension calculator.
I am now working as a contractor, which is a massive step change, if I don't work I don't earn, nothing is guaranteed, however I made more than my Gratuity was worth in two months. I joined later, after university and left at around 7 years, as opposed to entering the joyous staff college and flogging myself for the next promotion, I loved my career, however having a year between 7 month deployments and the constant merry go round of postings made having a life and family impossible.
What are your options after you leave, believe it or not your commission is worth more than a degree, speak to the likes of J1 Consulting and The List. A lot will depend upon where you wish to settle, London anywhere else is a little more challenging but by no means insurmountable.
I would also advise having an exit strategy, don't both jump at the same time, it will be very stressful!
Lt Col in seven years - blimey that's impressive!Remember the next strategic defence review could force your hand, the last certainly did for me. My pension as a junior Lt Col was only going to be worth pennies (relatively speaking), I joined later so was forced to move onto the 2015 pension, so that big rosy pension you expected may not be waiting for you, do the pension calculator.
I am now working as a contractor, which is a massive step change, if I don't work I don't earn, nothing is guaranteed, however I made more than my Gratuity was worth in two months. I joined later, after university and left at around 7 years, as opposed to entering the joyous staff college and flogging myself for the next promotion, I loved my career, however having a year between 7 month deployments and the constant merry go round of postings made having a life and family impossible.
What are your options after you leave, believe it or not your commission is worth more than a degree, speak to the likes of J1 Consulting and The List. A lot will depend upon where you wish to settle, London
anywhere else is a little more challenging but by no means insurmountable. I would also advise having an exit strategy, don't both jump at the same time, it will be very stressful!
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