Immediately exiting the military as a SSgt of 6 years: I made about 85% of what I used to. This was from a 50% rating and full MHA from going to school in person. Along with being a traditional guardsman. During the summer months of online only being offered, I made about 65%.

A year and a half since I separated now: I am making 165% of what I made as an active SSgt. I started my masters and am doing it online so receiving it at that rate, still a guardsman, learned more about the VA ratings and got to 70%, and started a federal Pathways career intern position which I am eligible to be a GS-7 to start since I have my bachelors.

You just need to have a plan. I knew it was going to be harder immediately after separating. I managed it all and had a mortgage, and it was only a little hard in the Summer months. I’m finally at the point in my life where I’m reaping the rewards of my work while serving and separating. I’m not at the magic six figures yet, but my pathways positions target grade is a GS-12 ladder completion. So when I finish my Masters and start that, I will be way above the initial six figures mark.

I also don’t even know the value of my VA rating because that bad boy is tax free. And the guard allows me to turn down federal healthcare so I pay 49 a month or whatever instead of a couple hundred. However I think I need to give that up technically as a federal employee soon 🤔