Big News For Me!!!

[Matthew White]

I would really appreciate input from you guys, especially the ones who have been in this game a while. I had been planning to get out of the navy in October, and I was blindsided today with the news that I have made second class petty officer and will be pinned with it next week. (that's E-5, which for my rate is the toughest rank to make, and I made it off 2% advancement, along with two others in my rate from the entire ship) The pay difference between my current setup and that is around 600 to 650 more dollars a month. That's a HUGE budget change for me. I had planned on getting out to better be able to train and become an athlete, however, the money continues to call my name. I would definatley like some input here, because if I re-enlist for 3 or 4 more years, and get alot stronger during that time, I can't see having any ability to go pro while I can be deployed.

What's your guys (and girls) takes on this.

[Adam Keep]

It is totally possible to make it pro while being in the military, I have done it. It is not totally necessary to train events all the time to be able to get better at the events. Just train hard as much as possible try to get on the events a couple of times a month to polish up and you will be fine. Good luck.

[Billy Wolt]

is getting out and turning pro gonna put food on the table and pay the bills? probably not...most likely not....

keep doing what you are doing. Unless you have some other income source (own rental proporty, rich family, large inheritance, selling illegal substances), then you will need to keep working.

congrats on the pay bump

[Jim Harbourne]

I would stay in. The pay increase along with with medical benefits are going to be hard to match in today's economy right now. You can still find ways to train even if deployed.

[James Greene]

One of the biggest mistakes I feel I have made was getting out of the Navy. Stick with it bro.

[Easton Taylor]

Dude the decision is yours and your alone. You are covered with Medical until the day you die if you get out. If you rate a disability rating then there is money every month for the rest of your life. Do you want to continue the life that you are doing? Being tall on ship isn't the greatest thing in the world...are your back and knees up to taking the punishment if you continue doing what you are? Think of lat moving into something else.....non deployable and west coast. Sure 600-650 dollars a month is good......but it only makes you 7800 more a year and uncle sam is going to take some of that also.

Is more four years more of deploying, working stupid hours, standing duty and whatever else they make you do worth it?

Take your business some place else...... make almost double, work reasonable hours, and live by your philosophy in my sig!
:IMHO:

[Jamie T]

if the argument is career vs the possibility of being a pro strongman.. well is isn't even a debate... there are very few "full time" pros .. the economics of the sport does not dictate it..

be smart..


Jamie

[GaryJohnson]

That a tough choice one way or another, I'd look years down the road for my choice. If you got out now how would you get by etc is what I'd be worried about. You can make progress while deployed but you'll never reach your full potential if your missing the items you need IE food, time, etc. If your MOS translates well to the civilian side I'd say get out and move on. I wouldn't worried about the extra $ right now, you got by without it right. I think the most important thing to remember is money doesn't buy happiness.

[Jake Peeterse]

The pay raise to E5 is a good one but keep in mind other things come with that too, ie supervisory duties and all that. But knowing exactly how much you get every month and the yearly pay raises don't hurt either. I have known so many guys that got out of the AF for that great job on the outside just to realize the grass isn't always greener. Even with deployments you should be able to get in two to three contest a year. One of those could qualify you for nats and then you have your chance. Looks like you have the basics in the ship gym, so you should be able to make plenty of strenght gains too. It's a big time decision bro, I know I just reenlisted to 2014...damn that's a big number.

[Ryan Wells]

When I was in Korea and ready to get out, I had a Sargent Major ask me what would keep me in. "I said honestly? Ranger School with a pin point assignment back to Ft. Bragg." He said he could make that a reality, blah blah blah. You know what? I realized that as long as I was in the military that my life was not my own. I realized that there were a lot of people out there making real money and they get to come home every night and kiss the wife. So I got out, got a construction supervisor job driving around in a pick up with a Nextel making $17.00/hr. That was in 2000. I've since tapped the college money and now have a computer job.

If you are single, I think staying in is an easier choice. But, if you DO get out, don't freakin do it for strongman...have a plan. Just realize that it is hard out there. I almost said "F" it and went back in in 2001, but I didn't. I stuck it out. I then met my best friend in the world and we got married.

Just follow your gut and have a plan. I had a buddy get me into that construction gig as soon as I got out.

[CharlesDMickey]

What is your rate and what kind of experience do you have within the rate? How many years in? How old are you? What's your education level? What is your projected ship/shore rotation? Got any SRB's? Got the GI Bill? Is anyone looking to you for support?

What you do if you got out? What do you want to do? Where would you want to live?

Pay close attention to your non taxable income; BAH, BAS, or any other allowance. That really adds up when you compare it to a civilian salary and 100% of you pay is taxed.

Even the top American pros still have "day jobs".

OH! AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE PROMOTION!

[IdrisH.]

First of all, congrats on the promotion Matthew. :mag:

Second, I wish I could see into the future on this issue because I am torn. I think that this pay increase will definately benefit you and you can still become stronger while in the navy. You may not be able to totally focus on strongman, but you can to an extent. On the other hand, if you do not stay in the navy not only can you become stronger, but you can focus your energies on strongman. You also have the freedom to pursue other job opportunites that could possibly pay even more (you never know). Ultimately it is up to you and I am sure you will make a best decision you possibly can.

Well my friend, I hope my input helps and once again congrats on the promotion.

[Mike Landrich]

Matthew
Congrats on the E5. Just make a pros and cons list and decide which is better for you. Asking others for advice could lead you down the wrong path, since only you have to live with the consequences.
Mike

[Ryan Duncan]

What field would you be going into on the outside? Some sectors are doing a little better than others, but overall the job market right now is pretty sucky. If you don't have something else lined up, then I'd stay put.

[WesleyInman]

The way I see it, even if you managed to turn pro, you will always be striving for more, for bigger and better so long as you are in the sport in one way or another that's all that matters. Competing with yourself, because even the Pro's can't slack, its constant modification.

And then life can hit you with an injury or illness, and it can all come to an end very quickly...And one day strongman might not even be an option whether pro or not. But the accomplishment is doing what you can with it while you have it.

On the other hand, working for the government is difficult, I know this firsthand, there's nothing worse than feeling like a number, risking your life day in day out for money...

So go with your passion...If the military and strongman are it, go for it, if money is the only reason you'd stay, and you hate it, get out now...Resigning from my gov't position was the best decision I ever made, and I make less money now. Wouldn't change it for any amount.

[Easton Taylor]

What is your rate and what kind of experience do you have within the rate? How many years in? How old are you? What's your education level? What is your projected ship/shore rotation? Got any SRB's? Got the GI Bill? Is anyone looking to you for support?

What you do if you got out? What do you want to do? Where would you want to live?

Pay close attention to your non taxable income; BAH, BAS, or any other allowance. That really adds up when you compare it to a civilian salary and 100% of you pay is taxed.

Even the top American pros still have "day jobs".

OH! AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE PROMOTION!

Well put Mick.

[Matthew White]

With the promotion I will be a Machinist Mate 2nd Class which crosses over to a mid level engineering technician. My specialties are water and fuel chemistry, cryogenics, mechanics, and detailed maintenance. I've been in 5 and a half years, I could stay in the field and pull anything from about $45k for a 40 hour work week or up to $125k in cryogenics working 80 hour weeks (which ain't happenin) I've honestly looked into entry level management at either a Lowes or a Home Depot because I grew up on a crop farm (had pigs too) doing things with my hands and both of those companies are extremely good to their employees and love hiring veterans. I will also have a disability preference because when I do my VA paperwork I have a billion and one ailments (some more major than others) that I didn't have upon joining. I plan to stay west coast, preferably right here in WA. I can live with being a number, its not too hard once you've made that transition into acceptance. My sea to shore rotation as MM2 is 4 sea and 3 shore, which I will make in roughly a year and be going to shore which I'd like to hit up either Japan or Australia. (yeah yeah, I can only imagine all the godzilla jokes I'd get in Japan, hehehe, and I'd love it!) Same time, I do vaguely remember freedom and what it feels like to be able to wake up late in the day, make your own choices on EVERYTHING, and its been too long for me to actually miss it, but it would be nice to have a stable enough life do more things. I appreciate every reply I've gotten on this, many good points have been made, and there are many confliction thoughts in my head right now that are neither here nor there. If I get out its not "only" for strongman, however, once out, I would focus much time and energy to be the best athlete I could be.

Thanks to all!

[RubenScheepers]

Is it possible to train a few times a week on the ship? If you can squat and deadlift heavy, than there shouldn´t be a problem to get stronger while being on the sea..
There is always a possibility to drag a heavy anchor right..? :D

Just go for that job and there is always an oppurtunity for you to turn pro.. There are lots of pro´s who have a demanding job and work 60+ hours a week.. Take for example Derek..

Great luck and choose wisely! ;)

[Victor Cleere]

Matt: I did 7 years as a MM nuke, and got out as an MM2/E-5. So sounds pretty similar, as I read your post as you being an ELT? I actually would have made 1st class if I would have stayed in 3 more months. However, I couldn't wait to get out myself. I am so glad I did not stay in. I was also able to get a 20% VA disability, due to breaking my foot and having 2 operations. So have your ailments documented!

However, like others said, it is your choice to make. It may be smart to stay in, as the economy is weak right now. Possibly re-enlist for 2 or 3 years, just enough to get a shore billet, then see how everything looks. Make sure you really plan your exit strategy if/when you decide to break free...er, I mean get out of the Navy.

Anyhow, look forward to training with you when you get back.

Vic.

[CHANTZWILSON]

Matthew
Congrats on the E5. Just make a pros and cons list and decide which is better for you. Asking others for advice could lead you down the wrong path, since only you have to live with the consequences.
Mike


Matthew,
Congratulations on the promotion. This is the best advice for you in my opinion. Look at the advantages of staying in the military (medical, dental, 30 days annual leave, job stability) vs. the cons (living OCONUS, 24hr/on call status)
Think possibly of your long term goals. Do you want to stay in for the next 3-4 years? Do you want to make it the full 20? Will you have the opportunity to do at least some training while deployed?
Ultimately, it comes down to what is in your heart. What makes the most sense for you?

In any case, congratulations again.

[davebeers]

strongman will always be there, if you have a stable career in our current times then count your blessings

[Jay O'Neill]

strongman will always be there, if you have a stable career in our current times then count your blessings

Good point Dave.
DOn't think you are gonna get out and turn Pro Matt. Even if you did... there is not enough money in it to keep your lights turned on.
And think you can live off the Disability Gravy Train. IF you qualify for benefits you cant live off them. If you are concerned with your health, get fixed before you leave the Navy. WHen I left the service I had things I could claim, but the way I looked at, I signed up for military service and the injuries I recieved were in the line of duty. The Service fixed me and I never want to be considered Disabled.
Just be smart and stay in, use the College programs and get out with your degree. Tuition assistance is 100 percent! You should be working on your education.

[CHANTZWILSON]

Good point Dave.
DOn't think you are gonna get out and turn Pro Matt. Even if you did... there is not enough money in it to keep your lights turned on.
And think you can live off the Disability Gravy Train. IF you qualify for benefits you cant live off them. If you are concerned with your health, get fixed before you leave the Navy. WHen I left the service I had things I could claim, but the way I looked at, I signed up for military service and the injuries I recieved were in the line of duty. The Service fixed me and I never want to be considered Disabled.
Just be smart and stay in, use the College programs and get out with your degree. Tuition assistance is 100 percent! You should be working on your education.

I forgot to list Tuition assistance as a pro to staying in. A college degree is a must in my opinion.

[Ryan Rhodes]

When I left the service I had things I could claim, but the way I looked at, I signed up for military service and the injuries I recieved were in the line of duty. The Service fixed me and I never want to be considered Disabled.
_____
Hooah-

[richl]

Hi Matt: Here's my .02 worth.. I can't imagine strongman sustaining you for years, unless you are in the top all the time.

Unless you can do that, leave it as a passion, an obsession, etc., but focus on a job to pay the bills, keep up with gas prices, save for retirement, raise a family, etc.

These days, I hear Sven Karlsen is suffering from kidney failure? I wonder what advice he'd give you?

Good luck, I enjoy your posts,
Rich

[craig kruse]

I wonder how many pro strongman are making the $650 per month you are going to be making extra

[Matthew White]

Couple of things, I'm not a nuke, thankfully, any man that can live with their schedules is tough as nails in my book. I was an oil and water king, not an ELT. I do not expect to walk out of the navy and be a pro, hahaha, that would take most likely a minimum of another 5 years GOOD training for me to feel ready to even attempt to go for something like that. I cannot train events underway, HOWEVER I can DL, Squat, and OHP to my hearts desire. I have already begun talking with the VA. I'd rather not list my ailments as some of them I have issues with, however yes, they are all documented, and I would be getting quite a bit, and no I never planned to ride the disability gravy train, that would be lowly and petty of me. On top of that I would be able to actually get FREE tuitiion along with my GI Bill because of the level of disability I would fall in.

So after talking to many family and friends, and reading what many of you have had to offer me which is all great advice. I am deadset on extending my current contract 1 more year, upon finishing that, shore duty will be right in front of me, pending favorable orders I will then most likely re-enlist for another three years. ;)

And again, I appreciate and thank every one of you for your thoughts and advice on this. I did think about every person's words while coming to my final decision.

[Jay O'Neill]

Couple of things, I'm not a nuke, thankfully, any man that can live with their schedules is tough as nails in my book. I was an oil and water king, not an ELT. I do not expect to walk out of the navy and be a pro, hahaha, that would take most likely a minimum of another 5 years GOOD training for me to feel ready to even attempt to go for something like that. I cannot train events underway, HOWEVER I can DL, Squat, and OHP to my hearts desire. I have already begun talking with the VA. I'd rather not list my ailments as some of them I have issues with, however yes, they are all documented, and I would be getting quite a bit, and no I never planned to ride the disability gravy train, that would be lowly and petty of me. On top of that I would be able to actually get FREE tuitiion along with my GI Bill because of the level of disability I would fall in.

So after talking to many family and friends, and reading what many of you have had to offer me which is all great advice. I am deadset on extending my current contract 1 more year, upon finishing that, shore duty will be right in front of me, pending favorable orders I will then most likely re-enlist for another three years. ;)

And again, I appreciate and thank every one of you for your thoughts and advice on this. I did think about every person's words while coming to my final decision.

If you are that"Disabled", Then how do you expect to be even competitve in Strongman. I have read your training log. How does a disabled person, deadlift over 600 pounds. How many service connected disabilities can you have when you are a first termer?
I work for the government and have seen alot of guys come and go and they dont always get disability due to thet the fact that something is Documented.
Do yourself a favor and stay in long enough to get your "Disabilities" taken care of and walk out of the service with your head up high.

[Matthew White]

Jay, PM'd.

[Mike Landrich]

Just out of curiosity, does someone on a military disability have to worry about it being taken away if caught doing something too physical, like the guy with a "workers compensation" back injury who gets caught when he bowls a 300 game and gets his name in the newspaper? If Matthew were to go out as a disabled vet and then turn pro strongman, he could be the catalyst for reform of the system, if some politician caught wind of it and wanted a controversial subject on which to make a name for him/herself.

Before anyone screams "sensationalism", think of how Barry Bonds' problems have changed baseball. And Barry's not getting money from the taxpayers, which would be the case with Matthew.

[Matthew White]

As long as there is documentation from a medical professional saying that the ailment is true, as well as documentation of ongoing treatment to fix it, it would not be fraudulant.

[GaryJohnson]

I have to ask but how would you get disability if you'd be getting treatment to fix it? If something can be fixed is it really a disability? I will say good luck if you ever decide to try and get a rating. Be prepared to jump through hoop after hoop....I know all to well now.

[Easton Taylor]

Just out of curiosity, does someone on a military disability have to worry about it being taken away if caught doing something too physical, like the guy with a "workers compensation" back injury who gets caught when he bowls a 300 game and gets his name in the newspaper? If Matthew were to go out as a disabled vet and then turn pro strongman, he could be the catalyst for reform of the system, if some politician caught wind of it and wanted a controversial subject on which to make a name for him/herself.

Before anyone screams "sensationalism", think of how Barry Bonds' problems have changed baseball. And Barry's not getting money from the taxpayers, which would be the case with Matthew.

It is completely different then workers comp. In the military if you are injured, they pay you for it. They have doctors review your filings and they either accept them or deny them.

In my case I have a 30% percent rating. 10% for hearing (I am legally deaf due to heavy machine guns). 10% for a broken wrist (still don't and will not have full range of motion I broke the growth plate) and 10% for my left knee. Even though I have had 2 operations on it, and it is fixed, it is still considered a disability.

I am re-filing for PTSD (before anyone says again talk to a vet that has it, it is a nightmare).....I can't sleep, I have violent mood swings, and I have been going to therapy for over a year. Also I am re-filing for my right knee. I just had another operation on it. 23 years old and I have had 4 knee operations. My knees go back and forth. Once one is injured you over compensate with the other, and it gets injured over time. Even though both knees are fixed, they took alot of my menicus out of both knees......over time they will get injured. So they will pay you for that.

Hope this clears up some questions.....once they rate you they cannot derate you.

Make sense?

[Easton Taylor]

I have to ask but how would you get disability if you'd be getting treatment to fix it? If something can be fixed is it really a disability? I will say good luck if you ever decide to try and get a rating. Be prepared to jump through hoop after hoop....I know all to well now.


Funny when I went through tap class.....I saw my V.A. rep, had the proper paperwork, and within 3 months I was getting my checks. I have yet to have a problem. However I am re-filing.

[Matthew White]

I've never heard any veterans having issue with going through disability. Thank you Easton for posting that.

[GaryJohnson]

Funny when I went through tap class.....I saw my V.A. rep, had the proper paperwork, and within 3 months I was getting my checks. I have yet to have a problem. However I am re-filing.

My first claim went pretty smooth for the most part, only took 6 months to get paid. I guess when I said jump through hoops I meant the re-filing process. Good luck on your re-file hopefully I'll have luck with mine too.

[Will Rouse]

I am in the military as well so take this for whats its worth.. Here is what I have come to realize....you are in the military, and eventhough strongman/powerlifting/whatever hobbies you like is/are your passion, they are just that, a hobby. And you have a job to do. And you owe it to the people who came before you to be the best at your job.

Does this mean you will squat 900lbs while you are in, probily not, but not too many military guys are built like donny thompson.

But if you really want to get out... do it. I just know that for me when I re-upped it was a better decicion for my wife and child for me to stay in the Air Force and get my commision that it was to be an IT guy on the outside.

Besides your in the Navy you should be trying to get into BUD/S :)

[Matthew White]

Um, Will, .......not every sailor wants to be taken from their home in the middle of the night, sent to the other side of the world, not told what they are doing until they get there, if they die nobody knows why, and professionally kill people and blow stuff up. I currently am a member and important part of the USS John C. Stennis, the BIGGEST warship ever made, the MOST ADVANCED warship ever built, and a ship that has broken every record possible that a CVN class ship can possibly break. I'm extremely proud to be a member of this crew and wouldn't trade it for being a seal, SWCC, NGF or any other group of killing machines. As an E-5 in the navy I have the option to cross to army or coast gaurd and get my commission for warrant officer. I don't feel ready for that kind of responsibility, but I have decided that I will extend for a year, then upon the closing of my sea rotation if good shore orders are available I will take them. I have no wife and child, only me. I have also accepted that a hobby is a hobby, and that's all it is. Being sent all over we sailor types tend to make snap decisions and adapt to them extremely well. ;) Thanks for your advice bro.

Besides man, seals do a thankless job because nobody ever knows what they do until decades later when its declassed, I get thanked all the time for doing crazy crap. ;) But yeah, if I had a degree yet (not far off) and the navy was like "stay and we'll give you O-1, it wouldn't even have been an issue. Or if I had a wife and/or child, their well being takes precedence 100% of the time, its just not the case right now.

[Mac Smith]

I am in the military as well so take this for whats its worth.. Here is what I have come to realize....you are in the military, and eventhough strongman/powerlifting/whatever hobbies you like is/are your passion, they are just that, a hobby. And you have a job to do. And you owe it to the people who came before you to be the best at your job.

Does this mean you will squat 900lbs while you are in, probily not, but not too many military guys are built like donny thompson.

But if you really want to get out... do it. I just know that for me when I re-upped it was a better decicion for my wife and child for me to stay in the Air Force and get my commision that it was to be an IT guy on the outside.

Besides your in the Navy you should be trying to get into BUD/S :)

I don't know if any special operations guys in any branch that are 6'5+! And Matt, aren't you 6'7 or something like that?

[Matthew White]

Yeah I'm 6'7", on top of that I'm very inflexible, suck at pushups (I think my best ever was like 72 or 75 or something like that) and just don't really have it in me to do spec ops. I would suppose all jobs seem like they are cool (AKA the James Bond Syndrome) until you've done it for a couple of months and get the bad side of it.