I will be completing my MBA soon and also most likely leaving my officer job with the Air Force. I am coming to a crossroads and I'd like to hear some input if possible. Once my service commitment is up I have two opportunities. The first is to get into air traffic control (what I am currently doing in the Air Force). This pays very well in the civilian side, however it usually takes between 2-5 years to really get the good pay, between $125K-$160K. The salary generally doesn't get much higher (usually only raised to offset inflation; government job). My second option is in the business world where I have the opportunity to start at about 200K right off that bat and this has an unlimited earnings potential as the years go on (I love capitalism).
Here's my dilemma. I love ATC, it's what I've been doing and there isn't any job like it. I would also like to keep doing it because I like working for a cause (keeping the skies safe). I like to feel like I am truly contributing to society. The camaraderie in the military is unmatched anywhere else, however the ATC community is pretty close which is pretty important to me as well. Lastly, if I buy back my military time, I could retire in 20 years, which would put me at 46 with a full ATC pension.
In business, the salary and future salary potential would be unmatched. It would provide the lifestyle I have literally been dreaming about for years. It would also provide a great start for my wife and I to start having our first child. Money is very important to me (say what you will, but I like nice things). ATC is great but I love the business world as well. I am fascinated by stock trading and the economy however if it was just a choice of the actual work, I'd pick ATC. Nevertheless, with the earnings potential in business, I could possibly retire earlier with more money if I save properly. In high up business positions, I imagine camaraderie to be weak as it's all about the dollar, then go home.
I know nobody can make this decision except for myself, but I'd like to get some feedback if you were in the same situation.
Thanks in advance!
Here's my dilemma. I love ATC, it's what I've been doing and there isn't any job like it. I would also like to keep doing it because I like working for a cause (keeping the skies safe). I like to feel like I am truly contributing to society. The camaraderie in the military is unmatched anywhere else, however the ATC community is pretty close which is pretty important to me as well. Lastly, if I buy back my military time, I could retire in 20 years, which would put me at 46 with a full ATC pension.
In business, the salary and future salary potential would be unmatched. It would provide the lifestyle I have literally been dreaming about for years. It would also provide a great start for my wife and I to start having our first child. Money is very important to me (say what you will, but I like nice things). ATC is great but I love the business world as well. I am fascinated by stock trading and the economy however if it was just a choice of the actual work, I'd pick ATC. Nevertheless, with the earnings potential in business, I could possibly retire earlier with more money if I save properly. In high up business positions, I imagine camaraderie to be weak as it's all about the dollar, then go home.
I know nobody can make this decision except for myself, but I'd like to get some feedback if you were in the same situation.
Thanks in advance!