Hey guys, Army wife here. Hubby is nearly at his 20 year mark and going on Terminal Leave in just a couple of months. Then officially retiring a few months after that.

He’s a stellar soldier, kept his nose clean, got his higher education, and has made plenty of good post-retirement job contacts. He’s already applying and interviewing and contacting references. I have a great DoD position that pays well and I’m already looking at a promotion to a new grade.

We have a solid budget, savings, and long term financial plans. We have crunched monthly numbers and factored in things like health insurance and all the other dozens of little details. We picked our final duty station based on where we wanted to retire and already bought a house too so we’ll have no housing or relocation issues.

All this sounds super on paper but after nearly 20 years I’m still terrified. We’ve been so sheltered by the Army through all the crazy times but now we have to let go and walk on our own. For better or for worse we’ve always had that guaranteed paycheck and likeminded circles of people. It feels like I’m leaving home for the first time at 18 haha.

I know in my heart we will do great but can someone still pat me on the head and tell me it’ll be ok? 🥹