Leaving the RAF, what next??

[anonymous-user]

I am planning to leave the Royal Air Force in about a years time. There are many reasons for this, the main reason being that it just isn't a suitable career for me anymore.

The problem is I have no idea what to do when I do leave. I will be 23 when the time comes and will have completed 6 and a half years service. I am a mechanical aircraft technician (airframes and propulsion) and have an NVQ level 3 in aircraft maintenance. I have worked first line on c-130 and tornado gr4 aircraft.

The problem is I'm not sure whether I want to continue working on aircraft or transfer my skills gained to another trade/sector. It also crosses my mind now and again to just start from scratch and do something completely different, but I'm worried that will make my time in the RAF wasted.

I'm looking for some advice from people who have possibly been in the same situation, but really any advice would be greatly welcomed.

Thanks

Tom

[anonymous-user]

Thanks for all the replies guys, some good advice there. Unfortunately I'm not in a position to get on the housing ladder before I leave as most of my money goes into renting and travelling from Norfolk back home to Devon.

I do quite like the idea of being my own boss, I'm just struggling choosing a certain area/trade. I like the idea of being a courier/delivery driver self employed. But it might not bring enough money in. But it would be something I would enjoy, despite the long hours.

Anything must be better than what I'm earning at the moment, working 84 hour weeks in afghan getting the equivalent of £7.20 an hour, and that's with all the bonuses included, it's pretty poor really.

[anonymous-user]

I am leaving for definite. I need to be living in devon as I provide care on weekends for my brother with learning disabilities. I actually preferred being an AMM, it's the last few years on tornado living in Norfolk that have done it. I have asked about the chances of getting a posting and that won't be happening.

[anonymous-user]

I do already claim 'get you home' as I rent a house in Devon with my girlfriend.

I've been looking at possibilities with in the air conditioning/ventilation business, it seems a lot of my experience would transfer over quite nicely.

Oh and thanks for advice and good lucks