What a great thread! Agree with most that I won't have a problem being "retired." Soon to be 50 and one year away from my retirement date, I've had a great military career and will leave with no regrets, only fond memories. Most of my friends serving on active duty have transitioned to the Federal civilian workforce in the DC area and continue the same grind they had on active duty for most of the same reasons mentioned earlier: prestige, money, few interests outside of work, lifestyle, maybe defining themselves by what they do for a living, etc. I get lots of raised eyebrows when asked what my plans are when I get out of the service, especially when I tell them I'm building a dream home (with cash) on 40 acres (I own) in the boonies of Northern Michigan, where it's so "depressed." When asked what will you do, I simply say "whatever I want" then watch their expression. My only dilemma will be .... how am I going to possibly do all of this fishing, golfing, hunting, reading, gardening, hiking, camping, travelling, camping, exercising, biking, visiting friends and family, volunteering?