What Can I Expect After Transitioning from Military Sysadmin to Civilian Life?

It’s super challenging out there right now, especially with the cost of living increasing. If your wife is planning to be a stay-at-home mom, it's realistic to expect some lifestyle adjustments. For a junior sysadmin with your background, salaries might hover around $85k, but this can vary significantly depending on your location and the types of jobs you pursue.

I transitioned from military IT a decade ago and found opportunities thanks to my clearance. Make sure you start networking and looking for jobs well before your departure. It makes a big difference to have something lined up even a few months before you leave.

I know how you're feeling! I transitioned a few years back, and while you certainly might miss some benefits of active duty, the civilian job market has its perks too. If you can stretch your time in service or switch branches, it could be worth considering for the pension alone.

Definitely aim to have the highest clearance possible when you transition. There’s a consistent demand for people with these clearances, especially in roles consulting or managing IT services for government agencies or contractors, and they generally pay well.

The TS/SCI clearance should really help you, but there’s still competition out there. I recommend pushing for higher certifications, like CISSP, as many employers are looking for experience and a degree. Consider getting involved in skill development programs to boost your tech skill set while looking for work.