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Message
re: Options for next duty station [Update pg 5]
Posted on 2/18/24 at 9:50 pm to ArmydawgMD
Posted on 2/18/24 at 9:50 pm to ArmydawgMD
UPDATE:
Was called by my assigner this week and given two options where to go. They want my answer by Tuesday morning. I can either stay at my current duty station in Tacoma, WA or PCS overseas to Germany
This is one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make. Trying to get perspective from whoever I can. I have made a list of pros/cons last night and am still deliberating. Similarities are that it is the same job at either place (primary care) and that I'd be making approx. the same amount of $.
WA (12 month assignment):
+: know people here now, like where I'm at, lot left to see/do out here, guaranteed single year before I can reapply to residency
-: not a whole lot to do in the immediate area I'm in, dating scene not great
Germany (24 month assignment):
+: highly recommended by others as quality life experience, opportunities to travel Europe on the weekends, 3/4 day weekends once a month, frequent festivals in the town, German girls
-: having to move again and the hassle of doing so, delays residency an extra year (24 month tour), unknown what Sembach is actually like, further from home
Obv the extra year before I could reapply to residency is keeping me from jumping at the opportunity to pick Germany, but I am deliberating if the experience warrants holding off on residency. I will be comfortably paid next year and would be able to visit most of Europe. Yet it also costs me down the road, as every additional year in service is an opportunity cost of $100-250K compared to practice as a civilian. The time until I get out basically doesn't start until I complete residency, so Germany accrues an extra year [happy to explain further if anyone confused]. Appreciate any input or further considerations
Was called by my assigner this week and given two options where to go. They want my answer by Tuesday morning. I can either stay at my current duty station in Tacoma, WA or PCS overseas to Germany
This is one of the toughest decisions I've ever had to make. Trying to get perspective from whoever I can. I have made a list of pros/cons last night and am still deliberating. Similarities are that it is the same job at either place (primary care) and that I'd be making approx. the same amount of $.
WA (12 month assignment):
+: know people here now, like where I'm at, lot left to see/do out here, guaranteed single year before I can reapply to residency
-: not a whole lot to do in the immediate area I'm in, dating scene not great
Germany (24 month assignment):
+: highly recommended by others as quality life experience, opportunities to travel Europe on the weekends, 3/4 day weekends once a month, frequent festivals in the town, German girls
-: having to move again and the hassle of doing so, delays residency an extra year (24 month tour), unknown what Sembach is actually like, further from home
Obv the extra year before I could reapply to residency is keeping me from jumping at the opportunity to pick Germany, but I am deliberating if the experience warrants holding off on residency. I will be comfortably paid next year and would be able to visit most of Europe. Yet it also costs me down the road, as every additional year in service is an opportunity cost of $100-250K compared to practice as a civilian. The time until I get out basically doesn't start until I complete residency, so Germany accrues an extra year [happy to explain further if anyone confused]. Appreciate any input or further considerations
12
Posted on 2/18/24 at 9:58 pm to ArmydawgMD
Unless you can practice in Germany as a civilian, take the assignment. My biggest regret during my 24 years was not getting stationed there. Luckily I was fortunate enough to go TDY there a few times. I really enjoy that country.
How old are you?
How old are you?
This post was edited on 2/18/24 at 9:59 pm
Posted on 2/18/24 at 10:14 pm to ArmydawgMD
Tacoma or Germany? GTFO.
You realize you're moving into an almost fully furnished pad, right? Tacoma or Germany? Germany, sir! You may have additional leverage in the EU for future employment, too. Get a local work permit for minimal amounts of part time work, while you're on duty, that should help with your options afterwards. Mine was issued after I'd worked there for almost six months, after I was on my way back to the US.
Take into account that unless you're going to go into pharma sales, you may not have a civilian career to speak of on your timeframe, at an acceptable pay rate.
German women are ... uh, weird (avoiding sex talk, but you can find it if you want to)? Ukranians come in through Poland, get EU citizenship, and then roll out looking for anyone with a job that isn't an alcoholic (I know you're Army, but you're an actual doc).
Your sweet spot will be Eastern European women. They will prioritize you over milque toast EU fools, including Germans, as long as you act like a man. But, do not ever get in a fight with a guy from Eastern Europe over a chick. I've never seen so many MMA stores in my life as I did in nowheresville Poland.
quote:
having to move again and the hassle of doing so,
You realize you're moving into an almost fully furnished pad, right? Tacoma or Germany? Germany, sir! You may have additional leverage in the EU for future employment, too. Get a local work permit for minimal amounts of part time work, while you're on duty, that should help with your options afterwards. Mine was issued after I'd worked there for almost six months, after I was on my way back to the US.
Take into account that unless you're going to go into pharma sales, you may not have a civilian career to speak of on your timeframe, at an acceptable pay rate.
German women are ... uh, weird (avoiding sex talk, but you can find it if you want to)? Ukranians come in through Poland, get EU citizenship, and then roll out looking for anyone with a job that isn't an alcoholic (I know you're Army, but you're an actual doc).
Your sweet spot will be Eastern European women. They will prioritize you over milque toast EU fools, including Germans, as long as you act like a man. But, do not ever get in a fight with a guy from Eastern Europe over a chick. I've never seen so many MMA stores in my life as I did in nowheresville Poland.
Posted on 2/18/24 at 10:15 pm to ArmydawgMD
You have your entire life to work long hours and make money.
This probably will be your only chance to live in Germany and you will never forget it.
This probably will be your only chance to live in Germany and you will never forget it.
Posted on 2/18/24 at 10:22 pm to ArmydawgMD
quote:
Was called by my assigner this week and given two options where to go. They want my answer by Tuesday morning. I can either stay at my current duty station in Tacoma, WA or PCS overseas to Germany
Stopped reading here. Go enjoy the benefits of being a military member in Germany.
Edit: Read your post a little further.
quote:
+: know people here now, like where I'm at, lot left to see/do out here,
You're going to have this everywhere. Thats the military. It sucks basically cutting ties with people every three years, but they're probably going going to move on soon too.
I guess what I'm trying to say is your unit as you know it now isn't going to exist in a couple of years. Don't get hung up on it.
This post was edited on 2/18/24 at 10:31 pm
Posted on 2/18/24 at 10:40 pm to ArmydawgMD
Germany
Posted on 2/18/24 at 10:53 pm to ArmydawgMD
Germany. Not even a question.
Posted on 2/18/24 at 11:08 pm to ArmydawgMD
Stay in Washington. It’s good to be comfortable. Meet a nice blonde haired American girl - get engaged. Start your career. You can go visit Germany when you’re 60.
Posted on 2/18/24 at 11:39 pm to ArmydawgMD
All my friends that have been to Germany have absolutely loved it. Most of them came back married.
About half of my friends that were at JBLM enjoyed it.
Honestly, the extra year before residency gives you the opportunity to travel all over Europe.
About half of my friends that were at JBLM enjoyed it.
Honestly, the extra year before residency gives you the opportunity to travel all over Europe.
Posted on 2/19/24 at 5:42 am to ArmydawgMD
quote:
Obv the extra year before I could reapply to residency is keeping me from jumping at the opportunity to pick Germany
The extra year won’t mean diddly squat as you get older.
If you decide against Germany, you will regret it down the road.
Posted on 2/19/24 at 6:24 am to ArmydawgMD
quote:
WA (12 month assignment):
quote:
-: not a whole lot to do in the immediate area I'm in, dating scene not great
3 hours south of Canada, which is chock full of really pretty girls, with small boobs and REALLY fine skater asses.
Posted on 2/19/24 at 7:42 am to ArmydawgMD
I said it before and I’ll say it again, go to Germany. It’s been well over 30 years since I left there and still think about how great* of a duty station it was.
*Grafenwöhr in the winter excluded
*Grafenwöhr in the winter excluded
Posted on 2/19/24 at 9:09 am to ArmydawgMD
quote:
I can either stay at my current duty station in Tacoma, WA or PCS overseas to Germany
I've never heard a negative thing by someone who was stationed in Germany. Every one I've talked to has loved their time there.
The extra year seems like a big deal now and I don't think it is something you shouldn't factor into your decision. I do think if you go there though, in 10 years you would make the same decision all over again.
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