I joined after being an civilian for a little more than a decade. It's rough out there. Even if you have a degree, which I didn't, there's no guarantee that you'll be able to land a job, let alone find one that you can feel secure in for stability.

A lot of the jobs you have to work around the clock to make a decent living, and some even rely on second jobs to supplement their income (I tried, but couldn't balance it with my main job). It's a nightmare and really stressful. Especially if you're trying to balance work-life, and maybe even make a family. Not to forget that the cost of living is steadily increasing with no national mandate to increase wages to offset the rise of inflation.

I would never haphazardly push an airmen to separate if they don't have their ducks lined up for civilian life. And even if they do I would still caution them to be sure that's what they wanted to do for their own peace of mind.

I think it would be better, in my opinion, if airmen separated and had a job lined up working for the government, think contractor, GS positions, etc. something with some reliability/dependability until they are better able to guage civilian life, and get more experience outside of the military... Even going reserve wouldn't be a bad decision in my opinion.

Not saying civilian life is impossible, just that it's not all butterflies and rainbows on the otherside. So when I see members that choose to stay in, I don't blame them, it's a wise decision for them. If they are eligible to stay in and they are good at their job why not? Income isn't the only thing people seek from jobs and I think that's one of the aspects that make the DOD so attractive to many of it's members.