What Would You Do?

[Guest MissErika]

So I'm in me second enlistment in the army. I still have 3 more years left. My life is basically on hold til I ca get out. I want to go to film school, but there is no way the military can get me to a good school. I also cannot start my transition while I am still in service.

However I am still in debt and I don't have any real marketable skills once I get out so that I might get a decent job to take care of my wife and children. If I start film school with my gi bill when I get out, I won't be near my friends and family for support while I transiton.

I have the option of getting out early, and still receive my benefits.

What would you do in this same situation?

[Guest sarah f]

I know this is a hard decision for you. I myself would want to leave early so that I can start transition but I would also make sure before I did that I still had full benefits of being in the military. Whatever you do don't pass them up. My dad uses the VA these days because he can't afford anything else. That is worth so much more than starting to transition early.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure it is something that you can live with the rest of your life and is the best option for you.

Good Luck

[Sally]

Miss Erika,

Before you decide do check out that early release benefits package, I am not saying that the military has a history of misleading its non commissioned personnel but do read all of the fine print.

Often government funded programs are changed and it is more likely to happen with one that they feel is 'too' generous.

I would think that since you have already finished one tour and are into your second that it might be a good package but be sure before you decide to take it or tuen it down.

Remember the decision that you make here will effect the rest of your life - not just when you start transitioning.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Emily Ray]

Talk it over with your wife. My marriage fell appart after leaving the military. I chose to get out early as well and she didn't like that I did. She enjoyedc the security of a steady paycheck.

Huggs

Emily

[JJ]

There are so many things to consider that giving an answer is almost impossible for me. In my view it would depend on how much you have in savings to see you through till you are able to get your benefits started, how much those benefits are affected by opting out at this point and how bad your GID is.

If your GID is severe enough then in the long run there isn't an option. There comes a times when some of us have to transition no matter what. Others of us can put it off awhile. Only you can know where you are on that spectrum.

Film school sounds like an exciting prospect.

Hugs

John

[Guest Michaele]

Miss Erika

First off try to get the debt down before you jump ship, I know the pay isn't great but a steady paycheck is better than none. Make sure you get all the details of what benefits you'll receive (I'm still stung by the medical care for life the recruters told us). A double transition can crush you (MTF and military to civilian). In the end you have to do what's best for you and your family.

I wish you the best of luck in your decision

Shelley

[Guest Gina9223]

Where is the film school at? NYC or California? Both are good places to go to transition.

But, with a wife and kids... Whats your wife's take on the whole trans thing? For real, no bs. I've known a LOT of people who've had wives say they were supportive but when it comes down to you actually doing it...they jump ship and some can turn really toxic.

IMO, IRL you could get out and go to film school. You'd figure out how to survive on the run like we all do. Adding transition to the mix... Well, its just another thing to deal with.

But I've never been married and can't have kids so my oppionion is worthless.

[Guest MissErika]

Thanks for all your advice, I really appreciate it all. I've decided that I'm going to get out early. I know that I will receive all the benefits that other soldiers are entitled. I will keep everyone posted.

HUGS

Erika

[Guest sarah f]

Thanks for all your advice, I really appreciate it all. I've decided that I'm going to get out early. I know that I will receive all the benefits that other soldiers are entitled. I will keep everyone posted.

HUGS

Erika

Good Luck and I hope everything works out for you.

[Guest Donna Jean]

Thanks for all your advice, I really appreciate it all. I've decided that I'm going to get out early. I know that I will receive all the benefits that other soldiers are entitled. I will keep everyone posted.

HUGS

Erika

Honey.....

...botom line is that in life we often follow our hearts....we weigh the odds and make a choice..

Sometimes it turns out wonderful and sometimes it's a lemon...

It's called "Life"

Good luck

Huggs

Donna Jean

[Sally]

I hope that it goes well for you, I think that for you this was really the only choice.

Sometimes life just tells us, "Now is the time."

Follow your heart and you will have a much better chance of having your dreams come true.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Elizabeth K]

When you follow your heart, all else tends to follow, because you have shown you believe in yourself.

Best wishes on your journey - and keep us updated!

Lizzy

[Guest Michaele]

Like everybody else said, you have to follow your heart and do what's best for you. Please keep us updated on how everything goes.

Shelley