Damn it.......

[Corpsman_Billy]

Hey guys. I'm just feeling a little blue right now and I was hoping that you all could tell me whether or not I made the right choice.

As dedicated as I am to the Navy, family is still the most important thing to me. I had a request in to move up my ship date which is still 6 1/2 months away. My dad was planning a big trip in November and I told him that I would go. A last bonding experience before I left for the Navy.

Well my recruiter called me up today and told me a spot for 21 Oct. opened up and I needed to let him know within an hour. It also came with an extra $10,000 signing bonus but I had to go an extra year active duty. Well I thought about it as much I could in that hour and I called him back and told him no. He then explained to me that I couldn't request to get it moved up again

I figured at the end of my Navy career, whatever it may be (from one enlistment to 25+ years, who knows, right?) I would look back and shipping out 5 months earlier probably wouldn't have mattered as much as spending time with my family.

So, do you guys think I made a good choice? I would really like to hear from some of you guys who have served overseas.

Thanks for anything guys

[Wild.Irish.Rose]

I think you made a wonderfull choice. I know your family will definitely appriciate it and it's true what you said about looking back on it later. As nice as that bonus might be, and how great it'd be to leave earlier, it's just not worth it to miss that time with your family. I know the boat you're in. I don't leave till May and it's killing me, but think about using this time to be with family and prepare more for the two months from hell. [And you could always search for people to recruit so you get a higher rank before you leave.]

Anyways, like I said, I think you made a good, level-headed decision.

[8404]

Billy;

Money is 'not' everything in life, family and loved ones are. As far as the money, by the time the government takes their cut, you won't have much of it left anyways!

Additionally, in all my years (and that's a lot of em) I have learned to always go with your 'gut' feeling. You will never go wrong!

...I would look back and shipping out 5 months earlier probably wouldn't have mattered as much as spending time with my family...

Exactly, family is the only thing in life that truly matters. Enjoy your parents while you have them. You made the right choice. Now tell us what kind of trip do you have planned with your folks?

[Corpsman_Billy]

Actually, I didn't even consider the bonus. They offered me a $30,000 signing bonus and push button petty officer if I took nuke. It was never about the money. It's about being a Corpsman (I know that might sound cheesy but its true)

Believe it or not I actually can't wait for RTC. Thats why I'm down now, I know I have to wait that long. Oh well, life doesn't always go how you want it to, especially with the military. I guess I just got my first good taste of it.

[Wild.Irish.Rose]

I know what you mean about wanting to leave. I can't wait to go. But I'm glad that I have the time to make sure I know everything that is necessary in order to make boot go as smooth as possible. I'm way excited, though, and only a little nervous. I get butterflies everytime I think about it. It's like going on a first date. ;p

[8404]

...It's like going on a first date. ;p

That date would be with Uncle Sam! oorah.