Hi there, have you done your time in the military—served your country—and now you’re trying to figure out what life looks like with a 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disability rating? It sounds like you’re in a familiar place: recently separated from the Air Force, still young at 28, and trying to push through your new IT job paying $24 an hour. But man, it’s taking a toll on you.
You’re not alone. The pressure to “do the responsible thing,” even when your body and mind are screaming for rest, is something a lot of veterans can relate to. You said it best yourself: “I’m doing my best not to crash out.” That kind of fatigue—mental, emotional, and physical—is real. And it’s okay to pause and reevaluate.
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Being 100% P&T means you have options
Here’s the thing you might not hear enough: being rated 100% P&T means you have flexibility. Your bills are around $2,000 a month, and between your VA compensation and other potential benefits (like free healthcare and property tax exemptions in some states), you may be more secure than you think. You earned this rating. It’s not a handout—it’s recognition of your sacrifices.
So if the job’s draining you more than it’s supporting you, it’s worth considering a shift. Quitting doesn’t mean failure. It could mean growth. You’re not the only one thinking that way.
What other veterans are doing
You might’ve seen how others are carving their own path. Some, like one guy on Reddit, used their GI Bill to go back to school, got a degree that lets him work remotely, then hit the road, living out of a van while renting out his house on Airbnb. Another veteran just called it quits and is spending his summer traveling with no strings attached. There’s even talk about working seasonal jobs in national parks just for the experience.
These aren’t wild ideas—they’re veterans deciding that life doesn’t have to be stuck in a cubicle. And you might want to consider something similar. Remote work? Part-time gigs? Back to school in the fall? The world’s wide open.
You deserve a life that supports you, not one that drains you
Here’s the truth: just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. You don’t need to prove anything anymore. If your current job is hurting your mental health, it might be time to let it go. School could give you structure, growth, and a break. A part-time job might give you enough income without the constant pressure.
Whatever you choose, don’t lose sight of what you need most—peace, stability, and purpose. You’ve earned the right to live your life on your terms. Just make sure that life doesn’t come at the cost of your well-being.
Highly recommended read for later: Good news for millions of U.S. veterans – June VA disability payments of up to $4,544 moved up to this date.
