Hi all. I'm in the USAF (in case my username didn't give it away) I'm about to leave for Afghanistan for four months.

I'm pushing to extend my deployment from 4 to 6 months for the benefits of more money (15k+ 4 months and 22k+ 6 months)

But I can't seem to convince my girlfriend of 2.5 years (2 years long distance) to go for this idea. She wants to move in with me and not waste any more time, she already said if I extend then she is going to quit.

I still have time to make my decision.

 

So you're saying you want the additional money to purchase your first S2K or just cash to spend on the car?

Considering 80% of your relationship has been long distance, I'm not sure I'd personally be in a rush to move in together as you've only had 6 months of time being in close physical proximity. Long distance relationships are a different dynamic than being in a same city/area relationship and that can complicate things especially if you're suddenly in each others' space like that. It really boils down to how committed you both are to the relationship and if she supports you pursuing the car. Another $7k for 2 months of time is a good deal monetarily, but depending on where you're deployed, her fears may be more than just time-based.

I'd suggest sitting down and having a serious talk about it before making any decisions to make sure you're both on the same page, personally I'm not sure I would sacrifice 2.5 years of work for $7k though.

 

quit means quit dude... my x, was a quitter.. if someone is going to quit... always threatens to quit, then, one would imagine, they'd quit... anything... commitment, takes commitment... funny thing bout when you put on the uniform... you make a commitment.. you do have time to make a decision.. my mother and father were married 65 years.. he served this country through 3 serious wars back then.. people these days seem to take commitments rather lightly.. Hope that helps

 

Yeah it doesn't sound like you are in a good place to be in a relationship. Maybe when you get back you guys will get back together but I'd say let it go for now and focus on the career.

 

So what does this have to do with a S2000? Are you asking if you should go for the 6 mo. tour and lose your GF but have an extra $7000 to spend on a S2000?

IMO if she can't wait 2 extra months then she's not worth it. If she wants to move in with you why would 2 extra months matter to her?

 

Run. There are MANY of other fish in the sea who will understand the concepts of compromise and letting people live their own lives. Obviously we can't make the decision for you. Do what makes YOU happy. Good luck and thanks for your service.

Also, you said she doesn't want to waste any more time. How old are you two? What's the rush?

 

1-800-5800-TOM , call the professor and enroll into Leykis 101, now!


All joking aside, Airman,

I strongly encourage you to think this through;

1. Is she worth it? Is she good enough for you? I mean, you're a mf'n Airman in the U.S-mf'kn-AIRFORCE, with a very bright future ahead of you. Try not to settle for a possible ticking time-bomb.

2. I'm sure the whole, going-lebron-and-quitting-on-you, is being blown out of proportion by us. however, i highly recommend you read, then reread 2 more times, what Ryuu said above. Hat's off to that member

3. Do what you gotta do brotha. If I had the power to map out the future for you, I'll try to make it as such: you extend, gf breaks up with you, you bring home the money, spend it wisely(!!!), hit up gf (tell her sorry), you guys get back together (for a while at least), and you continue to take care of business.

20k is a lot of money for us normal people, and if spent wisely, it can take you a long way. That's topic for another discussion though.

 

Two months is nothing from a life time together. She can wait, your bringing home more money for yourself and her (if you all are serious), she should be proud of you for making that decision. Not threatening you that she's going to leave. That's not a woman that had your back, but is threatening you to get her way.

 

Leave. People that threaten to quit ALWAYS quit whether it's sooner or later. By going into a relationship with someone who serves you make a secondary commitment to stick by them while they're at home or overseas.

also, from a financial standpoint, when is the next time you're going to make an extra $7k in 2 months?

 

I think it depends on what this girl means to you, and how serious you are about a future with her. I can see her point of view on this topic. From what you've told us, it sounds to me like you're thinking about a selfish act to put a little more money in your pocket (for you s2k, I presume?). What happens after your deployment? Are you planning to get out or make a career out of the Air Force?

I was in the Air Force awhile back and I was tempted by the re-enlistment bonus that they were offering. At the time I had a Toyota Supra and I was thinking of all the turbo upgrades I would have done with the cash. I was young, and foolish, but luckily I made the decision to get out after my 4 years, went to college, and now I'm in a good career.

Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that money comes and goes, and in the grand scheme of things, that extra $7k is not very much. You can always make more later. What you can't ever get back is your time, or your life, and potentially screwing up a chance at a life with your partner is not worth it IMO. If "the one" got away, that is something that would stick with you the rest of your life. Trust me on that. Missing out on a few grand will be quickly forgotten.

Now, having said all that...
If she's not really "the one" and you don't care that much either way, then by all means, do what makes you happy, and don't worry about the consequences.